Oyetola: Africa must be proactive in global shift towards sustainable shipping

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has called on African nations to take a proactive role in the global shift towards sustainable shipping, emphasising that decarbonisation is economically and environmentally imperative.

Oyetola spoke on Monday at the African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation organised by the ministry in Abuja.

The event convened maritime leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address Africa’s role in shipping decarbonisation and sustainable maritime development, and provided a platform for discussions on best practices, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts to ensure a just and equitable transition for the continent’s shipping industry.

Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) forthcoming policy on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction strategy, set to be finalised this year.

He said with “over 90 percent of global trade reliant on maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions is both an environmental necessity and an economic imperative”.

“Africa must ensure that its resources are expanded and its voice is strong in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods,” Oyetola said.

“With 38 coastal nations, our continent has a unique opportunity to leverage the energy transition, engage in meaningful partnerships, and strengthen our global maritime presence. 

“However, we must not merely expect partnerships—we must actively shape them.”

The minister called for investments in green shipping technologies, port infrastructure powered by renewable energy, and regional collaboration to position Africa as a leader in sustainable maritime solutions. 

He also said there is a need to align investment with sustainability while upholding the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), ensuring fair and equitable transition measures.

“Africa has the potential to pioneer new shipping solutions, and we are running an agenda through renewable energy power ports, developing ports that integrate wind, solar, and hydrogen power,” he said.

“We call this establishing decapitalised shipping routes, maritime offshore development, transitioning to near-zero emission technologies, and African ship ownership to support and certify domestic ship owners.”

Oyetola also announced Nigeria’s bid for the ILO council (category C) elections scheduled for November to December 2025.

He urged African nations to unite in advocating for fair and equitable maritime policies on the global stage.

‘AFRICA MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND’

In his welcome remarks, Dayo Mobereola, director general (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), highlighted the shipping industry’s contribution of approximately 3 percent to global GHG emissions.

Mobereola said there was a pressing need for Africa to actively engage in decarbonisation efforts.

“Africa must not be left behind,” the NIMASA DG said. 

“This transition supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and presents a transformative opportunity for African economies. 

“Through strategic planning, investment in alternative fuel research, and policy advocacy, we can drive innovation while safeguarding economic growth.”

On his part, Emmanuel Ogalla, chief of the naval staff, said efforts are being made towards the decarbonisation of “our propulsion systems by proposing and trying to initiate hybrid solutions on new acquisitions such as combined diesel and electric propulsion systems for our future ships”.

“My full dream is that we will be able to reduce our propulsion power pollution by no more than 50 percent,” Ogalla said. 

On the benefits of decarbonisation, John Oming’o, chairman, the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), said decarbonisation will go a long way to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.

Oming’o said decarbonisation will lead to job creation in renewable energy and shipbuilding; improve air quality near ports and coastal cities; green fuel production hubs such as liquefied natural gas and solar; and provide funding and investment opportunities.