NSC Calls for Deeper Regional Collaboration to Strengthen Maritime Safety, Unlock AfCFTA Trade in West/ Central Africa
NSC Calls for Deeper Regional Collaboration to Strengthen Maritime Safety, Unlock AfCFTA Trade in West/ Central Africa
By Success Okezie
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has called for deeper regional collaboration, harmonized Port State Control inspection standards, and continuous capacity-building as critical steps to improve maritime safety, accelerate trade, and unlock the economic opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Dr. Ukeyima made the remarks on Monday at the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding Regional Workshop for Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations, held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme “A Future-Ready Port State Control Regime: Leadership, People, Governance, and Performance for Safer Maritime Systems,” he described the workshop as both strategic and timely.
He stressed that while strong regulations and technology are essential for maritime growth, the foundation for lasting reform lies in visionary leadership, institutional commitment, and coordinated regional action. “Resilient maritime institutions are built on effective leadership,” he said.
Dr. Ukeyima commended the Abuja MoU and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation for introducing a five-year Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme. He described it as a landmark investment in leadership development, institutional capacity, and regulatory excellence across West and Central Africa.
According to him, the programme reflects a shared commitment to strengthen maritime administrations by focusing on people, governance structures, and leadership competence. It will also enhance compliance with international maritime conventions and improve the overall performance of Port State Control regimes in the region.
The NSC Chief Executive applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for positioning the Marine and Blue Economy as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He also lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his reform-driven leadership, which he said is rapidly aligning Nigeria’s maritime sector with global standards and best practices.
Dr. Ukeyima emphasized that an effective Port State Control system is key to safer shipping operations, marine environmental protection, improved port efficiency, and increased investor confidence. He noted that these factors are critical enablers for the successful implementation of AfCFTA across Africa.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s dedication to leadership development and stakeholder engagement. The Council, he said, continues to collaborate with regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, and other maritime actors to promote transparency, operational efficiency, and trust.
A Call for Greater Regional Synergy
He further urged maritime regulators, port authorities, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation through joint capacity-building, harmonised inspection procedures, coordinated policy reforms, and enhanced data and intelligence sharing. He said these measures will improve compliance with international standards and boost the region’s competitiveness.
Expressing optimism, Dr. Ukeyima stated that stronger collaboration among Abuja MoU member states will reinforce maritime governance, modernize Port State Control systems, facilitate intra-regional trade, and position West and Central Africa as a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive maritime hub.
He concluded that the outcomes of the workshop will deepen regional cooperation and contribute to building resilient maritime institutions that can support sustainable economic growth and safer shipping across the sub-region.
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