The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has stated that Nigeria is championing the introduction of renewable powered ports on the continent to drive decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

Oyetola made the disclosure in Abuja at a two-day Africa Strategic Summit on Decarbonization with the theme ‘Ensuring a Just and Equitable Shipping Decarbonisation for Africa’.

Speaking further, he said, “Africa, and Nigeria especially, has immense potential to pioneer the green shipping solutions and blue economy agenda through Renewable Energy-Powered Ports; developing ports that integrate wind, solar and hydrogen power and establishing decarbonised shipping routes.

“Also, there is a need for transitioning to zero or near-zero emission technologies; and to support and incentivize domestic shipowners.”

Earlier, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, had noted that the shipping industry accounts for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions contributing to climate change.

He said, “The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonisation and Africa, especially Nigeria, must not be left behind.”

He added that decarbonisation supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) which is why the African Strategy Summit brought together experts, regulators, policymakers, industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss best practices, share knowledge and exchange experiences that will ensure a just and equitable shipping decarbonisation in Africa by promoting sustainable maritime development.