By Faridat Salifu
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on its 175 member states, including Nigeria, to accelerate their efforts in achieving the decarbonisation targets outlined in the 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which aims for a net-zero maritime industry by 2050.
The IMO’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, emphasized that urgent and collective action is necessary to meet these ambitious goals.
For Nigeria, the path toward decarbonisation faces several hurdles. The country’s reliance on diesel for port operations and the frequent docking of substandard, high-emission vessels complicate efforts to adhere to international emission reduction standards.
Moreover, Nigeria lacks comprehensive policies to enforce environmental measures, which undermines the country’s ability to fully contribute to global decarbonisation goals.
The IMO has identified decarbonisation, seafarer welfare, and global maritime security as its key priorities for 2025.
Dominguez stressed that the decarbonisation of the maritime industry is not just a technological challenge but also an economic one. He called for stronger global cooperation and more investment in innovation to meet the sector’s sustainability targets.
Sustainability is not limited to emissions reductions but also includes the health of the world’s oceans.
Dominguez highlighted marine pollution, especially plastic waste, as a pressing concern, particularly in regions like Nigeria.
Although regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) are tasked with environmental protection, both agencies face resource constraints that limit their effectiveness in addressing marine pollution.
The issue of marine waste, particularly plastics, has worsened due to weak enforcement and insufficient waste management infrastructure in Nigeria.
Public awareness campaigns on marine pollution are also lacking, which further exacerbates the problem. Additionally, the IMO has emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry.
Dominguez noted the progress made in gender representation but called for further action to ensure the maritime workforce reflects broader societal diversity. His pledge to avoid participating in panels without female representation signals his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable maritime sector.
With these goals in mind, the IMO continues to advocate for a comprehensive, coordinated global approach to ensuring that the maritime sector not only meets decarbonisation targets but also contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world.