- Nigeria leads Africa’s push for renewable-powered ports, integrating wind, solar, and hydrogen energy to decarbonise maritime operations.
- Minister Gboyega Oyetola calls for zero-emission technologies and incentives for domestic shipowners to support green shipping solutions.
- NIMASA highlights that shipping accounts for 3% of global emissions, stressing the urgency of Africa’s role in sustainable maritime development.
Nigeria leads Africa’s efforts to introduce renewable-powered ports and decarbonise the maritime sector. Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, clarified this at Abuja’s two-day Africa Strategic Summit on Decarbonisation.
The summit, “Ensuring a Just and Equitable Shipping Decarbonisation for Africa,” highlighted Nigeria’s push for green shipping solutions. Oyetola emphasised integrating wind, solar, and hydrogen power into ports and creating decarbonised shipping routes.
“Nigeria and Africa can pioneer green shipping solutions,” Oyetola stated. “We must develop renewable energy-powered ports and decarbonise shipping routes.” He called on domestic shipowners to adopt zero or near-zero emission technologies, urging for incentives to support this transition.
Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), addressed the shipping industry’s emissions problem. He noted that shipping accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which worsen climate change.
“Shipping emissions pose significant environmental concerns, and this urgency drives the push for decarbonization,” Mobereola said. “Africa, particularly Nigeria, must join this global transition.” He also pointed out that shipping decarbonisation aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The summit brought together experts, regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders, who discussed best practices and exchanged knowledge. They focused on how Africa can achieve fair and sustainable shipping decarbonisation. Their conversations underscored the importance of green maritime development in combating climate change and driving Africa’s economic growth.