President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the instruments of accession for six important Conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a move set to bolster Nigeria’s maritime governance and align its practices with international standards.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Osagie Edward, highlighted that this action would pave the way for Nigeria to deposit the instruments of accession at the IMO headquarters. The IMO, as the repository for such conventions, will now update Nigeria’s maritime records, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
The six conventions signed by President Tinubu include:
1. The Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf
2. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995
3. The Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of pollution by substances other than Oil, 1973 as Amended
4. The Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976
5. The Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, 2002
6. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009
Speaking after the signing, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, expressed gratitude to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for facilitating the long-awaited signing of these conventions. Dr. Mobereola noted that the instruments had been pending within the ministry for six to eight years and credited the minister for helping bring this historic achievement to fruition.
“This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria, and the IMO will soon update our records to recognize these instruments,” Dr. Mobereola said.
Minister Oyetola also reassured stakeholders of the administration’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s maritime sector in alignment with global best practices. He emphasized that the signing of these conventions marks a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime community.
By endorsing these conventions, President Tinubu’s administration has reaffirmed its dedication to improving Nigeria’s standing among maritime nations and fostering greater participation in international maritime decision-making processes.
The next step will see the formal deposit of these instruments of ratification by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with NIMASA. This move underscores Nigeria’s resolve to enhance its maritime capabilities and contribute actively to global maritime safety and sustainability.