Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has commended Dr Paul Adalikwu, Secretary of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for his contribution in mobilising support for Nigeria’s bid to clinch a Category C seat on the council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
The Minister who stated this on Friday during a visit to the MOWCA headquarters in Abidjan said Nigeria is ever willing to fulfill it’s obligations in support of the organisation
Oyetola who was represented by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said Nigeria has made significant strides in the global maritime community, particularly with the implementation of the Deep Blue Project, a $195 million initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security in the country and the Gulf of Guinea region.
This project has led to a significant reduction in piracy and other maritime crimes, making Nigerian waters safer for shipping and trade. He added that Nigeria is proud to share this success with MOWCA member states and believe that it demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting maritime safety and security in the region.
Oyetola said “I am honoured to pay a courtesy visit to your esteemed office today. As a Nigerian and a product of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, I would like to commend your visionary leadership of MOWCA, which has brought visible progress to the organization. We are proud to witness the growth and development of MOWCA under your stewardship.
“Your leadership has not only strengthened the organization’s capacity to promote maritime development in the region but has also fostered a sense of cooperation and collaboration among member states.
We appreciate the efforts you have made to advance the interests of West and Central Africa in the global maritime community.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the support already expressed by MOWCA member states for Nigeria’s candidature to the Category “C” Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This support is a testament to the strong relationships that exist between Our countries and the trust that has been built over the years.
” Your Excellency, this visit is a gesture of appreciation for your leadership and a precursor to show our gratitude in anticipation of the fulfillment of the expressed support for our successful election. We believe that our membership in the IMO Council will not only benefit Nigeria but also contribute to the growth and development of the entire MOWCA region.
” In return for this overvwhelming support, Nigeria reaffirms its Commitment to fulfilling its obligations to MOWCA and will utilize its influence in the global maritime community to ensure the sustained progress and growth of the Organization. We will continue to work closely with MOWCA member states to promote maritime development, satety, and security in the region”
While thanking the minister and government of Nigeria for the visit, Dr Adalikwu reiterated MOWCA’s commitment in ensuring that member states enjoy the potential benefits derivable from their marine and multimodal transport endowments.
Speaking to the strategic importance of African waters to global trade, Dr. Adalikwu said MOWCA countries deserve to have their voices at the table wherever global commerce is the subject matter
He identified the stability in the Gulf of Guinea as a fallout of concerted efforts of Africans and her allies in suppression of piracy, which should qualify a country like Nigeria to be on the council of the IMO
Adalikwu stated further that MOWCA is building strategic alliances that promote sustainable blue economy for attraction of foreign direct investments, deeper participation of African owned businesses in maritime and evolving an ecosystem that provides jobs for citizens of West and Central African countries.
The SG also restated the organisation’s thrust to achieve safer inland water travels across the subregion to prevent boat accidents and loss of lives.