The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has called for increased collaboration between the private sector and the agency to fully harness the vast potential within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sectors. His appeal came during the official handover of the Offshore Waste Reception Facility for the Central zone to its new concessionaire, African Circle Pollution Management Limited, in Warri, Delta State.
Represented by Mr. Kabiru Diso, Mobereola emphasized the need for active cooperation from all stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry—particularly shipping companies, local and international oil corporations, and others operating in the country’s waters. According to Mobereola, such collaboration is essential not only for ensuring regulatory compliance but also for safeguarding marine life and fostering the long-term sustainability of the Blue Economy.
“This is a pivotal moment for us,” Mobereola stated. “It marks the beginning of an important project that brings together the public and private sectors in the shared goal of improving waste management practices in our waters. This partnership represents a critical step forward in both the development of maritime infrastructure and the preservation of our environment.”
He went on to highlight the immense opportunities for investment in the maritime sector, inviting private sector entities to explore ways to contribute to the creation of infrastructure that supports both economic growth and environmental protection within the Blue Economy framework.
Mobereola also urged all stakeholders to recognize the importance of the Offshore Waste Reception Facility and the responsibility that comes with it. He stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure the project’s success, which is designed to adhere to global environmental standards, such as the MARPOL conventions, which regulate marine pollution.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mohammed Bappa, NIMASA’s Coordinator for the Central zone, expressed his pride in seeing the project launched within his jurisdiction. He pointed out that the project marks the end of the era of indiscriminate waste disposal in Nigerian waters, warning that those found guilty of polluting would face severe legal consequences.
Bernard Alaeto, who heads the Public-Private Partnership unit at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting the concessionaire. He emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that the project achieves its objectives of environmental protection and sustainable maritime development.
The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Joe Ohiani, represented by Assistant Chief Infrastructure Officer, Mr. Ezeja Chidiebere, explained that the ICRC had been instrumental in guiding the project from its inception. He assured that the commission would continue to oversee the adherence to the contractual agreements between the government and the concessionaire to ensure that the project is implemented successfully and transparently.
Finally, the CEO of African Circle Pollution Management Limited, Mr. Umar Abubakar, expressed his satisfaction with the project, calling it a significant achievement. He highlighted the project’s importance in reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring strict environmental compliance across its maritime industry.
The event concluded with an inspection of the African Circle Pollution Management Ltd.’s facilities at the Delta Ports by NIMASA officials, marking a critical milestone in the project’s implementation.
