The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime sector. At a Nigerian Chamber of Shipping meeting, he outlined plans to replicate the Lekki Deep Seaport model nationwide, focusing on public-private partnerships to enhance trade, industrial growth, and job creation.
To enhance intra-African cooperation, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has partnered with Ghana’s insurance regulatory authority. This collaboration aims to improve marine insurance practices in West Africa through knowledge sharing and regulatory harmonization, fostering local marine insurance coverage in Ghana and strengthening ties for a unified market attractive to global reinsurers.
Nigeria has officially endorsed amendments to eight codes of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, enhancing protections for seafarers. These changes recognize seafarers as essential workers and improve their working conditions. This endorsement, discussed at the ILO Special Tripartite Committee Meeting in Geneva, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards.
A product tanker was boarded by pirates off the Nigerian coast, with the crew escaping unharmed. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, despite being the first reported in the area in years. Security services are urging caution as pirate activity continues to rise.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed plans for a port modernization program with the Nigerian Ports Authority focusing on Apapa and Tincan Island ports. This initiative aims to enhance port infrastructure, reduce turnaround time, and address challenges in the maritime sector. Oyetola emphasized the importance of a holistic approach.
NNPC, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Marine have joined forces to establish a joint venture aimed at improving Nigeria’s maritime transport capabilities for oil and gas products. This strategic collaboration will enhance the country’s position in the global energy market by creating a world-class tanker operation and upgrading its logistics and transportation infrastructure.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is seeking input from industry stakeholders to develop a national policy for the sector. A workshop in Lagos gathered insights from key players like NIMASA and NIWA. Collaboration is key to creating a policy framework that promotes sustainable growth and economic opportunities in Nigeria.
During a state visit to Nigeria, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Bola Tinubu agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism. This marks the first visit by an Indian premier to Nigeria in 17 years, with discussions also covering economic development, defense, healthcare, and food security.
Nigerian stowaways were found on a vessel’s rudder in the Canary Islands after a dangerous journey from Africa. Detained by Salvamento Maritimo, they claimed to have boarded in Abidjan. Despite harsh conditions, they were in good health. Spanish authorities have seen an increase in migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands by sea.
