NIMASA DG Champions Green Shipping, Pledges to Drive Nigeria’s Maritime Decarbonisation Agenda

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to positioning Nigeria at the forefront of sustainable maritime development, declaring that green shipping and maritime decarbonisation have become critical pillars of the nation’s maritime future.

Dr. Mobereola made the declaration during a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, where both leaders explored innovative strategies aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition to environmentally sustainable shipping while unlocking the immense potential of the nation’s blue economy.

The high-level engagement reflects Nigeria’s increasing determination to align with global initiatives targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector and establishing the country as Africa’s leading destination for green and sustainable shipping.

At the meeting, Dr. Itua presented the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme (NGSEP) and the Green Maritime Recognition Scheme (GMRS)—two landmark initiatives designed to fast-track maritime decarbonisation through the deployment of clean technologies, climate-smart investments, and internationally accepted sustainability benchmarks.

According to Dr. Itua, the programmes possess the capacity to revolutionize Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem, attract global investments, and position the country as a continental leader in green maritime innovation.

Responding to the presentation, Dr. Mobereola commended the initiatives and emphasized that partnerships among government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development agencies are indispensable in addressing the growing threat of climate change.

“The future of shipping is green, and Nigeria must not be left behind. Strategic partnerships and innovative solutions are essential to safeguarding our marine environment, strengthening industry competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable economic prosperity,” he stated.

The NIMASA Director-General further underscored the need for practical and forward-looking interventions to tackle the environmental challenges confronting the maritime industry. He reiterated the Agency’s resolve to implement policies that promote cleaner oceans, safer navigation, and a resilient marine ecosystem.

Industry experts believe the proposed initiatives could serve as a catalyst for a new era in Nigeria’s maritime sector by attracting climate finance, stimulating investments in green technologies, and creating thousands of opportunities within the rapidly expanding blue economy.

With the global shipping industry steadily charting a course toward net-zero emissions, NIMASA’s renewed commitment sends a strong message that Nigeria is prepared to embrace the future—one defined by innovation, environmental stewardship, and transformative partnerships.

Photo Captions

1. Handshake of Commitment: Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right), exchanges pleasantries with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, during a strategic meeting on green shipping and maritime sustainability.
2. Strategic Engagement: From left: Chief Executive Officer, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua; Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services Department, Mrs. Aishatu Jidda; Director-General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director, Marine Environment Management Department, Dr. Oma Ofodile; and Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi.
3. Towards a Greener Maritime Future: Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; Director-General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Chief Executive Officer, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, during discussions on Nigeria’s maritime decarbonisation roadmap.
4. ADVERTISEMENTS