Nigeria, IMO Develops Action Plan To Decarbonise Maritime Sector

Nigeria has entered a partnership with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under the GreenVoyage 2050 Project to develop a comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP) for maritime decarbonisation.

Speaking yesterday at the IMO GreenVoyage 2050 national stakeholders’ workshop in Lagos, organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the overall goal of the action plan was to support the implementation of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy and assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce emissions from ships.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Maritime Safety and Security at the ministry, John Ogwuche, said the collaboration with the IMO would provide Nigeria with the technical expertise and global network required to navigate the complex landscape of the green transition.

According to the minister, the maritime industry remains the backbone of global trade, yet it faces unprecedented challenges that have necessitated a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change.

He added that the development of an action plan serves as a bridge between international instruments and domestic implementation.
Oyetola said the objective of the workshop was to identify priority areas that would form the bedrock of the NAP, adding that the IMO has set ambitious targets aimed at achieving net-zero GHG emissions by international shipping by or around 2050.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Moberola, who was represented by the Executive Director of Operations, Fatayi Adeyemi, said decarbonisation of Nigeria’s maritime industry has been one of the most pressing challenges and current transformative opportunities.

He said through this collaboration, Nigeria is actively engaged in developing a comprehensive NAP for maritime decarbonisation and will be firmly rooted in the country’s unique national context, leveraging Nigeria’s strengths, addressing challenges and aligning with the broader national development goals.

He said the success of the plan hinges on the diverse expertise, practical insights and collaborative perspectives on technological advancements, policy frameworks, economic implications, capacity building needs and innovative solutions that are viable and effective.