_By Abbas Nazil_
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on African maritime stakeholders to capitalize on the continent’s renewable energy potential and strategic geographic positioning to establish Africa as a global leader in green shipping.
Speaking at the inaugural Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonization in Abuja, Oyetola stressed the need for the continent to actively participate in shaping policies aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy.
Oyetola emphasized that since over 90 percent of global trade depends on maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions in shipping is both an environmental and economic necessity.
He warned that Africa must not be left out of the global discourse on shipping decarbonization, as policies formulated at the international level have direct economic implications for the continent’s maritime industry and livelihoods.
He further highlighted that decarbonization efforts should be fair and inclusive, ensuring that all African nations benefit from the transition towards sustainable maritime practices.
He noted that Africa’s extensive coastline, growing port infrastructure, and access to renewable energy sources provide a unique opportunity to champion sustainable shipping solutions.
However, he stressed that achieving this requires collaboration among governments, private investors, and maritime industry stakeholders to align investments with sustainability and economic development goals.
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Supporting Oyetola’s stance, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reiterated the urgency of Africa’s participation in global shipping decarbonization efforts.
He noted that the shipping industry contributes approximately 3 percent of global GHG emissions, making it a significant factor in climate change.
He stated that the environmental concerns associated with these emissions have pushed the world to prioritize shipping decarbonization, and Africa must take proactive steps to ensure it is not left behind.
Mobereola explained that the two-day summit focused on Africa’s approach to the IMO’s GHG strategy, particularly the basket of mid-term measures aimed at reducing emissions.
The summit provided an opportunity for African nations to strengthen regional cooperation, develop technical capacities for climate action, and advocate for a fair transition that considers the economic realities of African countries.
He stressed that the decisions made at the summit would shape the future of the continent’s maritime industry and define Africa’s contribution to global climate objectives.
The discussions underscored Africa’s need to align its maritime strategies with international environmental frameworks while addressing region-specific challenges.
Both Oyetola and Mobereola urged African nations to take decisive action to ensure they remain competitive in the evolving global maritime landscape.
