By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA IS set to strengthen its maritime sector with the signing of six International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This step signals Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards and paves the way for official deposition at the IMO headquarters in London.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed that the signed instruments include crucial protocols such as the Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Fixed Platforms, the 1995 Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, and the 1973 Intervention Protocol on Pollution by Substances other than Oil.
Further signed instruments include the Protocol of 1996 amending the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC) of 1976, the 2002 Athens Protocol relating to passenger and luggage carriage by sea, and the 2009 Hong Kong Convention on environmentally safe ship recycling.
The signing represents years of effort, as noted by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA. At the formal handover to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mobereola expressed his appreciation, stating that these conventions had been pending for nearly eight years and that the signing marks a significant achievement for Nigeria’s maritime governance.
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola of Marine and Blue Economy echoed this sentiment, adding that the President’s action reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to global maritime standards.
He emphasized the importance of this step, reassuring stakeholders of Nigeria’s intent to lead in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
With the instruments now signed, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA are tasked with depositing these agreements at the IMO.
This move is expected to bolster Nigeria’s position in the international maritime community, enhancing its role in decision-making at the IMO.
