International Maritime Organization to address challenges in Africa
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is to assist the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) to address maritime security challenges.
It is also to build human capacity to implement, monitor and enforce international maritime safety instruments.
These were part of the resolutions of a regional conference organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with the IMO at the 3rd AAMA Conference in Abuja from April 19 to April 21.
According to the communiqué, the IMO will support, when possible, regular meetings of heads of maritime administrations in Africa at frequencies to be determined by the association.
”To achieve inclusive participation in global trade, countries must have the political will to facilitate trade through transparency, simplicity of trade documentation and procedures, reduction of bureaucracy and implementation of applicable laws.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, noted that Heads of State and Governments of the African Union had resolved to make the maritime sector a major driver for economic development.
The vice president affirmed that the Nigerian government recently approved a new maritime architectural framework that would effectively make the waters of Nigeria free from pirates and also improve international trade.
“In addition, government will also strengthen defence to protect and safeguard business,’’ the communique said.
It said the African Union Commission had set aside July 25 of every year as Africa’s Day of the Seas and Oceans.
The communique encouraged maritime administrations to institutionalise the day to raise awareness among stakeholders of the strategic importance of maritime governance for sustainable development.
It stressed the need to highlight the important role Africa needs to play at international maritime forum to raise awareness on Africa’s “Blue Economy’’.
The communique said the focus on maritime safety, security, maritime environment protection and human element should be enhanced.
“Maritime Administrations are urged to devote concerted efforts and planning to pursue enhancement of wealth creation, regional and international trade performance.”
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