By Abbas Nazil
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on African maritime stakeholders to harness the continent’s renewable energy resources to position Africa as a global leader in green shipping.
Speaking at the maiden Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Oyetola emphasized the need for Africa to assert itself in shaping international policies on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime industry.
With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) advancing efforts to implement its GHG Emissions Reduction Strategy, the minister argued that reducing emissions is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic imperative.
He stressed the necessity for Africa to ensure its interests are safeguarded in the transition to a sustainable shipping industry.
He further noted that shipping decarbonization affects multiple economic sectors, and the transition should be just and equitable, ensuring no African nation is left behind.
Oyetola highlighted Africa’s strategic advantages, including its geographic location, renewable energy potential, and growing port infrastructure, as key factors that can drive the continent to the forefront of green shipping.
He called for collective investment in sustainable maritime practices to align economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The two-day summit focused on Africa’s cooperation with the IMO’s emissions strategy and mid-term measures, aiming to ensure a fair transition for African nations while strengthening their technical capacity for climate action.
The summit featured presentations from key industry experts, including Dr. Harry Conway, Chairman of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), who spoke on the organization’s GHG reduction efforts.