President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the instruments of accession for six key conventions of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, marking a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s maritime governance.
This action, announced by Mr. Osagie Edward, Head of Public Relations for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, will allow Nigeria to deposit these instruments at the IMO headquarters in London, aligning the country with global maritime standards.
The conventions signed by President Tinubu are anticipated to elevate Nigeria’s maritime safety, security, and environmental protections, bringing its practices up to par with international protocols. The six conventions include the 2005 Protocol to the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf, the 1995 Convention on Standards of Training for Fishing Vessel Personnel, and the 1973 Intervention Protocol for Pollution by Substances other than Oil.
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Additional agreements signed include the 1996 Protocol to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention on Carriage of Passengers by Sea, and the 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for Environmentally Safe Ship Recycling.
During the formal signing, President Tinubu presented the instruments to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, and NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola. Expressing gratitude for their efforts, Tinubu highlighted the years these conventions had been pending in the Ministry, noting that this development is a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Minister Oyetola reinforced the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s maritime industry to align with international standards. He stated, “By ratifying these conventions, Nigeria is asserting its role as a prominent member of the global maritime community, committed to best practices.”
The Ministry and NIMASA will oversee the formal deposit of these instruments with the IMO, further solidifying Nigeria’s place among top maritime nations.
Credible News.ng
