The Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has officially granted observer status to the Association of Maritime Administrators of Nigeria (AMANO), further strengthening its role in advancing maritime standards in Africa.
The approval, which followed the recommendation of the Port State Control Committee, was confirmed at the Council of Ministers’ meeting held from September 10th to 13th, 2024, in Brazzaville, Congo.
AMANO’s observer status was secured after a successful application was submitted to the committee, highlighting the organization’s dedication to improving the maritime sector. With this new status, AMANO will now participate in the MOU’s initiatives to eliminate substandard ships operating in the region, which includes West and Central African states.
This milestone aligns with AMANO’s overarching goal of promoting capacity development in the maritime industry. By obtaining this status, AMANO is positioned to influence key decisions that promote safer, more efficient, and sustainable shipping practices. The organization aims to align its programs with the broader goals of the Abuja MOU, focusing on eradicating substandard vessels from African waters.
AMANO’s president, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the MOU, particularly under the leadership of Captain Sunday Umoren.
Maiguwa praised the capacity-building initiatives spearheaded by the MOU, especially efforts aimed at developing the ethics and effectiveness of Port State inspectors. He pledged that AMANO would actively support the mission and objectives of the Abuja MOU.
Other organizations that received observer status at the meeting include the Regional Maritime University, Ghana, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. This collaboration between regional maritime bodies is expected to strengthen the collective effort to raise standards and enhance safety in the African maritime industry.
