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DG NIMASA: GREEN MARITIME RECOGNITION SCHEME KEY TO CLEANER, COMPETITIVE NIGERIAN SHIPPING
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has restated its commitment to building a cleaner and more sustainable maritime industry through stronger action on decarbonisation and the adoption of green shipping practices.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known in Lagos during a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua. The discussion focused on new initiatives designed to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to an environmentally responsible maritime sector.
At the meeting, Dr. Itua presented two key programmes: the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme and the Green Maritime Recognition Scheme. He explained that the initiatives are aimed at encouraging the use of cleaner technologies, attracting climate finance, supporting decarbonisation in shipping operations, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for sustainable maritime practice in the region.
Responding, Dr. Mobereola commended the proposals and said collaboration with private sector players and other stakeholders will be critical to achieving Nigeria’s environmental goals. He noted that tackling climate change in the maritime space will require practical solutions, innovation and joint action.
According to the DG, protecting the marine environment must go hand in hand with improving the competitiveness of Nigeria’s shipping industry. He said NIMASA is prioritising policies and partnerships that will reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency, and support the broader objectives of the blue economy.
He added that the proposed programmes align with global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and to align Nigeria’s maritime operations with international environmental standards.
Mobereola further stated that the initiatives are expected to help drive Nigeria’s shift to a low-carbon maritime sector while creating opportunities for investment, technology transfer and capacity building.
Also present at the engagement were NIMASA Executive Director Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; Director, Marine Environment Management Department, Dr. Oma Ofodile; and Director, Planning Research and Data Management Services, Mrs. Aishatu Jidda.
The Agency said it will continue to work with industry stakeholders to develop frameworks that reward sustainable practices and support operators transitioning to greener vessels and operations.
