We’re Deploying New Technologies to Develop Blue Economy, Says Oyetola

*As NIMASA DG stresses need for dedication to safety
* Automation remains linchpin of port efficiency – NPA MD

By Francis Ugwoke

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday said that his Ministry believes in using new technologies to ensure the development of the nation’s maritime sector.
Oyetola who disclosed this on the occasion of the World Maritime Day which took place in Lagos explained that the Ministry was doing this in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President.
He identified digitalization and automation of port operations as part of the measures to ensure safety, security as well as efficiency in the system.
The Minister also pointed out performance optimization as necessary to reduce costs and increase reliability, explaining that innovative practices were necessary to achieve sustainable growth.
He disclosed that President Tinubu is investing heavily in port modernization to reduce inefficiencies and lower operational costs.
He said, “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalisation and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimisation to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development.
“President Bola Tinubu is investing heavily in port modernisation to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports. This process is being financed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements.”
The Minister added that these measures which according to him were being financed under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will no doubt improve safety at the ports.
Oyetola also said that significant progress has been recorded by creating conducive environment for operations at ports through alignment of its policies with those of global best practices.
According to the Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, this has led to improved safety, security, and efficiency in the ports with reduction in delays.
He opined that to achieve global standards, Nigeria needs support from the private sector, adding that collaboration was very imperative.
In his speech, the Director General of Nigerian Marítime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, called on maritime stakeholders to be dedicated to safety, innovation and responsible stewardship as far as marine environment is concerned.
The DG said his agency is leading the way in creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria and beyond.
Noting that there were challenges in the industry, Mobereola, however, said these provide opportunities for success in the sector.
He added, “ These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success in the industry. Rapid technological advancements, environmental concerns, sustainability, and evolving global trade are some issues affecting the industry.
“While we confront these challenges, we must accord safety an important priority. In this regard, we must invest in cutting-edge safety technologies, enhance training and capacity building for our maritime workforce, strengthen our regulatory frameworks to meet international standards, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors”.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration and cooperation to address the increasingly complex regime due to emerging technologies.
“Your involvement is crucial in this process. Furthermore, let us renew our dedication to safety, innovation, and responsible stewardship of our marine environment. This commitment is not just a goal, but a promise that we will uphold.”
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, in his goodwill message informed stakeholders that the agency was close to the stage of deploying the Port Community System (PCS) which will add help in the National Single Window Project in the country.
The MD who was represented on the occasion by the Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Engr. Ibrahim Umar, said automation remains linchpin of port efficiency and positions the ports in line with what obtains in global ports.
Dantsoho disclosed that the agency was also carrying out comprehensive modernization of ports infrastructure and equipment to enhance competitiveness.
“Indeed, making global port operations healthier, safer and more secure whilst actualizing the other noble objectives of the world ports sustainability programme rests heavily on our shoulders as policy framers, investors and stakeholders in its broadest ramification”.
The theme for the World Maritime Day Celebration was “Navigating the Future: Safety First” with many stakeholders stressing on the need for safety at sea.

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