The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola Monday lamented that Nigeria contribution to the global fleet was below two per cent.
To this end, he said the country’s dependency on imports from other parts of the world makes Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction to near-zero and zero emissions for shipping sector an important debate Nigeria must not shy away from.
The minister also added that that the federal government was championing the course of shipping decarbonisation as means to reduce emissions in African maritime industry.
Thisin order to improve the competitiveness of the continent’s shipping routes.
Oyetola stated this while declaring open “Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation” on Monday in Abuja
He hinted that the global shipping industry was at a pivotal juncture as the International Maritime Organisation (IMQ) is set to finalise and adopt the policy framework on the Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy and the Basket of Midterm Measures by this autumn.
The minister said that the progression of negotiations and research work done so far suggests Africa along with most developing countries would be mostly impacted due to the transport cost increase as result of the energy transition to near-zero and zero emissions for shipping sector.
Oyetola added: “As a coastal continent with 38 coastal nations, we stand a chance to explore opportunities that this energy transition offers our region by engaging the Global North to partner with Africa to utilise the need to develop our ports as a launch pad for catalysing the industrialisation of Africa.
“We must carefully develop meaningful discussions and partnership that does not set us back to extractive partnerships but a respectful approach to building our region and strengthening our position in the world.
“This will not come easy, and that is the essence of this summit. This event is one of many intended to unify our efforts towards a greater Africa.”
“You may wish to know that Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage, renewable energy potential, and growing port infrastructure to become a global leader in green shipping:
“However, this requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders be it as public and private sector players and /or development partners to align investments with sustainability and economic growth.
“Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.
“Shipping decarbonisation also goes beyond ships, it touches various sectors, such as transport, environment, climate change, trade and investment, to mention a few.”
“This summit is a Shipping Decarbonisation: Oyetola Laments Nigeria 2% Contribution to Global Fleet
•As FG moves to reduce emissions from shipping industry.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola Monday lamented that Nigeria contribution to the global fleet is below 2%, and as such, the country’s dependency on imports from other parts of the world makes Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction to near-zero and zero emissions for shipping sector an important debate Nigeria must not shy away from.
This was even as he noted that the federal government is championing the course of shipping decarbonisation as means to reduce emissions in African maritime industry in order to improve the competitiveness of the continent’s shipping routes.
Oyetola, while declaring open “Africa Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation” on in Abuja, hinted that the global shipping industry is at a pivotal juncture as the International Maritime Organisation (IMQ) is set to finalise and adopt the policy framework on the Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy and the Basket of Midterm Measures by this autumn.
He said that the progression of negotiations and research work done so far suggests Africa along with most developing countries will be mostly impacted due to the transport cost increase as result of the energy transition to near-zero and zero emissions for shipping sector.
According to him, “As a coastal continent with 38 coastal nations, we stand a chance to explore opportunities that this energy transition offers our region by engaging the Global North to partner with Africa to utilise the need to develop our ports as a launch pad for catalysing the industrialisation of Africa.
“We must carefully develop meaningful discussions and partnership that does not set us back to extractive partnerships but a respectful approach to building our region and strengthening our position in the world. This will not come easy, and that is the essence of this summit. This event is one of many intended to unify our efforts towards a greater Africa.”
Oyetola opined: “You may wish to know that Africa’s maritime sector is uniquely positioned to leverage its strategic geographic advantage, renewable energy potential, and growing port infrastructure to become a global leader in green shipping:
“However, this requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders be it as public and private sector players and /or development partners to align investments with sustainability and economic growth.
“Decarbonising the shipping industry must be pursued in a manner that is just and equitable, ensuring that no African nation is left behind.
“Shipping decarbonisation also goes beyond ships, it touches various sectors, such as transport, environment, climate change, trade and investment, to mention a few.”
Similarly, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola said shipping industry accounts for approximately three percent cent of global GHG emissions contributing to climate change.
“The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonisation—and Africa must not be left behind” he stated.