Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has restated that the government will bid for the Category-C in the forthcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council elections.
Oyetola said this on Monday in Abuja at the Maiden Edition of the African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation.
The summit was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with the Bartlett Energy Institute of University College London (UCL).
The IMO Category C refers to 20 states not elected under categories A or B, which have interests in maritime transport or navigation.
The category C ensures representation of all major geographic areas.
If elected, Nigeria will be returning to the IMO council after 20years since its last successful membership in 2005, and after three unsuccessful bids between 2011 and 2019.
Oyetola said that Nigeria, as a vibrant member state of the IMO, was shifting from being a passive recipient of global policies to being an active architect of solutions that reflect unique circumstances and aspirations.
“Today, we gather, not just to discuss challenges, but to forge solutions that will propel Africa towards a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.
“The global shipping industry is at a pivotal juncture as IMO is set to finalise and adopt the policy framework on the Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy and the Basket of Midterm Measures.
“The progression of negotiations and research work done so far suggest that Africa, along with most developing countries, wil be mostly impacted.
“This is due to the transport cost increase as a result of the energy transition to near-zero and zero-emissions for shipping sector,” he said.
Oyetola solicited support for Nigeria’s candidacy and pledged the country’s commitment to deliver on its mandate to the benefit of Africa if elected.
He said that as IMO was advancing its regulatory framework on decarbonisation, Africa must ensure that its voice is heard and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact the economies and livelihoods.
He urged stakeholders at the summit to solidify Africa’s position and advocate for policy mechanism that ensure fair revenue distribution from global decarbonisation measures.
According to him, the summit is a catalyst for Africa to forge stronger collaborations amongst African states, as well as global partners, and to build stronger alliances with regions of similar maritime and economic profiles.
This, he said, was the only way to collectively advocate for a just and equitable implementation of IMO policies that support developing economies.
In his remarks, Dr Harry Conway, Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the IMO, said that Africa’s contribution to the organisation was critical in shaping shipping policies.
Conway said that it was crucial for Africa to make contributions to the IMO policies because 90 per cent of trades in the region were seaborne.
“The IMO has 176 member states, 89 Non-Governmental Organisation, six Inter-Governmental Organisation and only 44 African countries.
“This is only about 25 per cent representation of 176 member states and Africa has to be involved in the policy making that shapes its shipping industry,” he said.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said that it was pertinent to prioritise sustainable and responsible maritime practices as Africa grew and developed.
“The decisions we make today will shape the future of our maritime industry and our contribution to global climate goals.
“This summit provides a unique opportunity to align our regional strategies with international frameworks, while addressing Africa’s challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Mr John Omingo, Kenya Chairperson of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), highlighted the benefits of decarbonisation and the need for Africa to shape shipping policies in the IMO.
Omingo recommended regional collaboration, inclusive transition incorporating financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity-building for Africa to enhance participation in global initiatives.
He also called for incentives, subsidies, green financing options, capacity building and training for Africa maritime stakeholders and Trade-Green Corridors.
Dr Dola Oluleye, the Principal Investigator of the LEAP project, UCL, said that shipping remained a platform for global trading moving about 90 per cent of the world’s goods.
“Today we are gathered for a critical discussion for the future of Africa’s maritime industry.
“This is to shape the maritime sector in a way that is sustainable, and technologically valuable, ” she said.
She said that Africa could not continue to be passive recipients of global policies.
