By Abbas Nazil
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its commitment to a clean offshore environment and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy, highlighting the importance of global best practices and collaboration among stakeholders.
Fatai Adeyemi, Executive Director of Operations at NIMASA, made this known in Port Harcourt during a stakeholders’ sensitization programme on Offshore Waste Reception Facilities.
He stressed that Nigeria’s offshore environment is central to the nation’s economy, powering industries and supporting livelihoods, but warned that the environmental challenges from offshore operations pose serious risks to marine ecosystems, navigational safety, and public health.
Adeyemi explained that the sensitization programme was designed to strengthen awareness and cooperation among regulators, operators, service providers, and communities to ensure waste reception and disposal practices conform to international environmental standards.
He emphasized that safeguarding the marine environment requires collective responsibility, adding that NIMASA is fully committed to sustaining the ecosystem while promoting the blue economy.
Dimowo Heaky, Director of Marine Environment Management at NIMASA, described the programme as a significant step toward protecting the resilience of oceans.
He stated that ship-borne wastes such as oily residues, sewage, garbage, and noxious liquids are a major threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, urging stakeholders to embrace compliance with MARPOL conventions as a culture rather than just policy.
Wellington Agharese, Managing Director of XPO Marine and concessionaire for Eastern Region Offshore Waste Reception Facilities, said the initiative is not just an operational mandate but a shared commitment to balance offshore energy development with marine protection.
He expressed the need for collaboration among regulators, international oil companies, national oil companies, and indigenous operators to establish a compliance model that boosts Nigeria’s global competitiveness and reputation as a responsible energy producer.
