The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has urged the National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ratify and domesticate its agreements on sustainable ocean resources management.
This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Dr Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the council.
Akutah spoke during a courtesy visit by Dr Jonathan Dajely, NESREA Acting Director, Lagos Liaison Office to the NSC’s Office in Lagos.
The executive secretary noted that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was committed to sustainable ocean resource management.
“The NSC commends the National Environmental Standard Regulatory Agency for its crucial enforcement activities in the nation’s seaports.
“We cannot overemphasis the importance of allowing NESREA to carry out its mandate unhindered at the nation’s seaport.
“The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to sustainable ocean resource management and NESRA needs to ratify and domesticate its agreements for mutual benefit,” he said.
Akutah added that there was need for synergy among government agencies, emphasising collaboration over antagonism to boost the marine sector.
On his part, the NESREA boss, Dr. Dajel sought a partnership with the Council as the Port Economic Regulator, citing challenges in accessing port terminals for enforcement activities.
He noted Nigeria’s signatory status to international environmental conventions and NESREA’s role in issuing Ballast Water Management Certificates to regulate marine pollution.
Both parties expressed support for collaboration, recognizing its potential to enhance port operations and environmental sustainability.
