BY EZINNE AZUNNA
Maritime leaders from across West and Central Africa will converge in Lagos on June 29, 2026, for the inaugural launch of the Abuja MoU Port State Control Capacity-Building Programmee.
The programme which will hold at the Eko Hotel is aimed at strengthening maritime governance, improving regulatory compliance and enhancing port state control across the region.
Organised by the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Abuja MoU) and supported by Lloyd's Register Foundation, the initiative is expected to bring together Heads of Maritime Administrations, government officials, development partners and industry stakeholders.
According to Captain Sunday Umoren, the Secretary General, Abuja MoU, the programme will equip maritime administrations with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen oversight, improve compliance with international maritime standards, promote maritime safety and security and protect the marine environment.
"The Chairman of Abuja MoU and Gambia's Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, as well as Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Abuja MoU Vice-Chairman, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, have confirmed their participation," Umoren said.
He added that following the launch, a regional workshop for Directors-General, Chief Executive Officers of Maritime Administrations and Heads of Port State Control will hold from June 29 to July 1, providing a platform for policy dialogue and technical exchange.
The event is expected to reinforce regional cooperation and support ongoing efforts to build safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime operations across West and Central Africa.
