Oyetola Advocates Stronger Maritime Governance for AfCFTA

Adegboyega Oyetola, speaking at a workshop in Abuja, highlighted the necessity of stronger maritime governance as a key factor for the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the blue economy. He addressed the need for maritime administrations across West and Central Africa to enhance their port state control (PSC) systems, which are critical for improving maritime safety and facilitating trade.

The three-day workshop marked the official launch of the Abuja MOU Port State Control Capacity Building Program, supported by Lloyd's Register Foundation. Oyetola aligned his remarks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, recognizing the maritime blue economy as a significant driver for economic diversification and sustainable development in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to international maritime standards and the elimination of substandard ships. Dr. Dayo Mobereola from NIMASA stressed the need for greater investment in capacity building, revealing that Nigeria conducted 917 port state control inspections in 2025.