- Nigeria plans to boost green maritime by integrating wind, solar, and hydrogen power into port operations, creating environmentally friendly shipping routes.
- The shipping industry contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Nigeria is taking the lead in driving sustainable shipping in Africa by championing renewable energy-powered ports as part of a broader effort to decarbonise the maritime sector.
At the Africa Strategic Summit on Decarbonisation in Abuja, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to pioneering green shipping solutions. He highlighted the country’s plans to integrate wind, solar, and hydrogen power into port operations, creating environmentally friendly shipping routes.
Oyetola stressed that Africa has significant potential to set the pace for a sustainable blue economy, advocating for a transition to zero or near-zero emission technologies while supporting domestic shipowners in adopting cleaner practices.
Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), reinforced the urgency of this initiative by pointing out that the shipping industry contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
He noted that Nigeria must align with global efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13 – Climate Action) to achieve a green maritime sector.
The summit, which brought together industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers, focused on promoting best practices and innovative solutions to ensure Africa’s maritime sector advances sustainably while maintaining economic competitiveness.