The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has stated that effective Port State Control is a critical instrument for ensuring global safety and maintaining environmental standards within the shipping industry.

He conveyed this message at a five-day Regional Train the Trainer Workshop on Port State Control for Member States of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding, which was supported by the International Maritime Organization.

Speaking through his representative, the Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, the DG emphasized that the overall success of PSC is directly dependent on the quality of the professionals who implement it. He further characterized the workshop as a demonstration of Africa’s shared commitment to achieving safer, cleaner, and more efficient shipping operations.

Dr. Mobereola delivered a strong statement regarding the regional significance of the gathering, saying, “Your presence here demonstrates our collective resolve to strengthen efficient maritime governance, improve safety standards, and enhance environmental protection across West and Central Africa.”

The NIMASA Director General also took the opportunity to commend the IMO, the Abuja MoU Secretariat, and all technical partners for their sustained support toward capacity-building efforts, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting enhanced maritime safety across the African continent.

In a goodwill message to the delegates, Captain Ahmed Sewelam, the representative of the IMO, reassured the Member States of the Organization’s unwavering commitment to offering support through its technical cooperation programme. This support is intended to strengthen effective and harmonized Port State Control regimes across the globe. Captain Sewelam also stressed the importance of unity in regional practices, stating, “Effective regional cooperation and harmonized PSC practices are essential to eliminate substandard shipping and promote consistency across the region.”

Captain Sewelam further elaborated that the workshop serves as a unique platform for delegates to enhance their collective capacity as Port States, facilitating discussions on key elements such as inspection procedures, reporting mechanisms, and strategies for improving performance. He concluded his remarks by reaffirming the collective responsibility for regional progress, noting that “together, we can strengthen Port State Control implementation and advance maritime safety and sustainability in the region”.

On his part, the Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren, reiterated that capacity building remains a top priority for the Abuja MoU organization. He further emphasized the direct link between effective flag state control and the quality of PSC operations, stressing the foundational importance of having strong national systems in place.

Captain Umoren urged continued collaboration and skill-sharing among member nations, stating, “We must continue to build capacity, strengthen cooperation, and share experiences to ensure that our region maintains high standards of maritime safety and compliance.”

This Train-the-Trainer Workshop on Port State Control under the Abuja MoU is considered another significant achievement in NIMASA’s continuous efforts to strengthen maritime safety, promote environmental protection, and consolidate Nigeria’s leading role in advancing maritime development across the West and Central African regions.