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World Maritime Day Parallel Event ends in South Africa

 

— as Jamoh pledges Nigeria’s commitment to greener shipping
—Iran hosts 2023 edition of WMDPE
The Eyewitness reporter

The World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE), which was held in Durban, South Africa from the 12th to the 14th, of October 2022, has ended.

In his opening speech at the event, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said:
“After a two-year pause in parallel events due to the pandemic, it is an enormous pleasure to be able to welcome you all here to Durban for the 2022 World Maritime Day Parallel Event.
“The Parallel Event was instituted to provide an opportunity to take the World Maritime theme “on the road” and it is undoubtedly one of the most important maritime events, worldwide.”

Secretary-General Lim highlighted the need for ‘innovation’ and ‘inclusivity’ as shipping voyages to a decarbonized future, in which digitalization and automation will play a key role.

“Innovation is fundamental to the maritime industry’s successful energy transition.

“It requires new technologies, renewable alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping, along with new financial solutions to support all those practical aspects,” he said.

“We also need innovative teams working together, created through research and development partnerships. These should involve both the public and private sectors because we need all hands on deck to ensure these initiatives succeed.

” This needs to be done in the most inclusive way possible as we address capacity-building, technology and infrastructure to bring on board developing countries, in particular, least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the energy transition.
” No one should be left behind. Digitalization and automation can be counted amongst the technologies that will help us on the voyage towards cleaner, greener and more efficient shipping but this does not mean that we ignore the human element,” Mr. Lim said.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, who also graced the event,  called for maritime nations to actualize the adoption of modern technology as a means of attaining cleaner and greener shipping in line with this year’s World Maritime Day commemoration theme.

Dr Jamoh, who stated this while speaking on the sidelines of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) also stated that Nigeria would seek to contribute to the global push towards reducing emissions from shipping activities.

According to him, “The theme of this year’s event “New technologies for greener shipping” as declared by the IMO calls for the global family of nations to take action on decarbonisation of shipping and ports through the use of zero or low carbon technologies, fuels and infrastructure. The ultimate goal for Nigeria is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe for sustainable development of our local sector”.

As one of the most important maritime events on a global scale, the WMDPE is a definitive stage for the international community to make concrete contributions and progress on collaboration geared at innovative solutions to address mitigation strategies to reduce the maritime transport carbon footprint

Welcoming high-level delegates from across the globe, the Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister, South Africa, said:
“The theme for this year’s World Maritime Day Parallel Event, “New technologies for greener shipping”, calls for the global family of nations to take action on decarbonisation of shipping and ports through the use of zero or low carbon technologies, fuels and infrastructure.
“The ultimate goal is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the globe for sustainable development. The big question we must answer is: “How do we get to a future that is sustainable, and facilitates global seaborne trade from all corners of the globe?”

He highlighted his “appreciation and applaud stakeholders, including the oil and bunker industry, manufacturers, academia, and shipping industry in general, for all your efforts and initiatives aimed at using research and innovation for the development of greener technologies as the pathway to the decarbonisation of this important industry.”

Noting the potential for countries to be part of the transition to cleaner fuels, he said, “We believe that the abundance of renewable energy potential can accelerate the development of greener technologies and alternative fuels in order to meet the demand of supplying bunker to ships at our ports.”

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim is greeted by the Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister, South Africa.
The panel session covered the World perspective on greener shipping – decarbonization; Collaboration and capacity building; Digitalisation for safer and efficient shipping; and Oceans and the blue economy.

IMO Secretary-General Lim hosted a ministerial round table on the sidelines of the event.

During the closing ceremony on Friday, 14 October, the World Maritime Day flag was handed over to the World Maritime Day Parallel Event host for 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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Oyetola inaugurates, charges new NIMASA, NIWA boards to steer clear of management duties 

–but provide policy direction for operational efficiency 
Funso OLOJO
The  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASOLOJOA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in a dual ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the maritime sector for maximum national impact.
 He said the exercise represented not merely a routine constitutional process, but a vital step in consolidating the structures that will drive the marine and blue economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national development.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime position along the Gulf of Guinea and an expansive 850-kilometre coastline, noting the country’s potential to benefit substantially from activities such as shipping, fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
 He recalled that it was in recognition of these opportunities that President Tinubu, in 2023, established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to provide focused leadership, regulation and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.
Addressing the newly appointed members of the NIMASA Board, the Honourable Minister outlined the critical mandate of the Agency, which includes maritime safety, labour regulation, marine environmental protection and capacity development.
He emphasised that the Board’s role is to formulate policies and provide oversight for the Agency’s operations, without interfering in its day-to-day management.
 Oyetola reiterated President Tinubu’s clear directive that the responsibilities of Governing Boards are strictly non-executive and policy-focused.
He urged the Board to operate in the national interest, with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
The Minister then proceeded to officially inaugurate the NIMASA Board, chaired by Yusuf Abubakar.
 Other members include Babatunde Bombata representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu representing the Nigerian Navy, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General.
Other members of the Board include Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director, Operations; and Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service.
In his response on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
He described the appointment as not just a privilege, but a call to national duty.
Abubakar also thanked Oyetola for his leadership and for the confidence reposed in the Board.
He assured that the Board would work closely with the NIMASA management team to foster transparency, innovation and professionalism, in line with the strategic vision of the Federal Government.
He pledged the Board’s full alignment with the Minister’s policy direction, noting that the team would work collaboratively and diligently to realise the goals of a secure and prosperous maritime domain for Nigeria.
The Minister also inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which he described as another critical pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport architecture.
He said the new Board comes at a time when effective institutional leadership is needed to drive infrastructure development, regulate inland water activities, promote water transport and support economic integration across regions.
Oyetola reminded the NIWA Board that their role is to provide strategic policy guidance and supervision, in accordance with the NIWA Act, while operational execution remains the responsibility of the Managing Director and the management team.
He drew attention to both the NIWA Act and relevant sections of the Public Service Rules and Public Procurement Act, which underscore the distinction between governance and management.
 He urged the Board to approach its duties with discipline, professionalism, and a clear understanding of institutional boundaries, adding that national interest and development must guide every decision.
He formally inaugurated the NIWA Board, which is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar.
Other members include Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, who also serves as the Managing Director; Mr. Hussaini Shettima; Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles; Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar; Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye; Capt. Jerome Angwunwe; and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
Speaking on behalf of the NIWA Board, the Chairman, Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust placed in them.
He praised the Honourable Minister for his guidance and pledged the commitment of the Board to give their best in the service of the nation.
He promised that the NIWA Board would work harmoniously with the management and operate within its mandate to ensure the Authority fulfils its role in facilitating inland waterways transportation and economic connectivity.
In concluding the double ceremony, Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for both Boards and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with honour and dedication.
He reminded them that the task ahead is significant, but so too is the opportunity to effect meaningful and lasting change.
 He wished them a successful tenure and charged them to serve with clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to national development.
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Shippers’ Council prepares staff for new role under the proposed Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act.

— trains first batch of 16 middle- level officers 
Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has commenced preparations for the eventual transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency(NPERA).
It could be recalled that the bill that will transmute the council into the Economic Regulatory council has been passed by the National Assembly( the House of Representatives and the Senate) but awaiting the assent of the President.
However, to prepare the staff to take up the new responsibilities that the new status will impose on the council, the agency has selected 16 middle- level officers who went through rigorous and tedious selection process.
The selected officers were put through the Middle Management Leadership Development Programme(MMLDP) of the Council’s Succession Planning Strategy on June 30th, 2025.
The induction ceremony, held in Lagos, marked a significant milestone for the Council.
 It is the first initiative of its kind, involving 16 carefully selected middle management staff, each with at least five years remaining in service.
The programme is designed to ensure leadership continuity, preserve institutional memory, and drive sustained organizational growth.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Akutah Pius, expressed his delight at the commencement of the programme.
He acknowledged the rigorous selection process and congratulated the participants for emerging successful in what he described as a highly competitive exercise.
“You did well to be here,” Dr. Akutah said.
 “I know how thorough the selection process was, and I’m not surprised by the faces I see today.
“Some of you I have met personally, others have worked closely with me. I know your potential, and it’s no surprise you made it this far.”
He encouraged the participants to remain committed and hardworking, noting that the programme marks the beginning of broader institutional transformation.
“Succession planning is not a one-time event. This programme will become a permanent fixture within the Council,” he stated.
Dr. Akutah urged the participants to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to becoming future leaders in the maritime and regulatory sectors.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the calibre of resource persons facilitating the programme and emphasized the importance of local capacity development.
“I believe in local content and in enhancing the capabilities within our organization.
” That is the essence of this initiative,” he said.
 “Some of you may not have been appropriately placed during your initial recruitment despite your qualifications.
” But this is how the civil service works—you enter, you grow. The window for growth and better positioning is now open.”
With the NSC’s transition into NPERA nearing completion—pending the signing of the enabling bill—Dr. Akutah spoke about the fresh opportunities ahead.
“We’re on the brink of creating a new agency with new structures, departments, and culture.
” This is your chance to prove yourselves and be considered for key leadership roles.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about the participants’ future contributions to both the Council and the wider port and logistics sector.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spotlighted this sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“We need professionals who can compete globally. As we build an agency that matches international standards, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. We count on your sound minds and sound training to help chart that path forward.” he declared.
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Melsmore Marine bows to pressure as it engages MWUN in  peace talk over dispute on staff welfare

Funso OLOJO 
In a bid to forestall possible disruption of its operations by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) , the MELSMORE Marine Limited has engaged the leadership of the maritime labour union in a peace talk in a bid to diffuse the growing tension between the two parties.
It would be recalled that the MWUN has given the company an ultimatum to improve on the welfare of its staff, some of whom are members of the union or risks being picketed by the angry association.
However, before the expiration of the 21 – day ultimatum, the management of the Marine company has reportedly reached out to the union to stave off any industrial dislocation.
In the peace talk, both parties are exploring available avenue to reach amicable agreement that will bring mutual benefits to both sides.
To give room to a peaceful negotiation and resolution of the conflict, the MWUN has therefore announced the suspension of the ultimatum while the peace talk is still in progress
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