Stronger Maritime Governance Crucial for AfCFTA and Blue Economy Growth, Says Nigerian Minister

Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has declared that strong maritime governance is essential for Africa's economic transformation, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the opening of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) Regional Workshop in Lagos, Oyetola called upon maritime administrations in West and Central Africa to bolster their Port State Control (PSC) systems. He identified this as a crucial strategy for improving maritime safety, streamlining trade, and fully realizing the potential of Africa's Blue Economy.

The three-day workshop, supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, also marked the official launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programme. It convened maritime regulators, technical experts, and development partners from across the Abuja MoU region.

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As maritime administrations, we bear a collective responsibility to ensure that our ports, shipping operations and regulatory systems support the free flow of commerce, strengthen regional connectivity and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness.

Oyetola stated that the workshop's objectives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda," which identifies the Marine and Blue Economy as a key driver for economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Nigeria's ambition to be Africa's leading maritime hub relies on world-class governance, effective PSC, safe shipping practices, and adherence to international standards.

He further elaborated that strengthening regional PSC would not only enhance maritime safety but also support broader African economic goals by fostering an efficient, secure, and compliant maritime transport system. This, he argued, is vital for facilitating seamless intra-African trade. Oyetola stressed the collective responsibility of maritime administrations to ensure their systems support the free flow of commerce, regional connectivity, and Africa's economic integration and global competitiveness.

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The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area depends significantly on efficient, secure and internationally compliant maritime transport systems.