The Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control is set to host 21 Directors General of maritime administrations across West and Central Africa in Nigeria from May 9th to 11th for a training programme.
Report by Journalng, indicate that Captain Sunday Umoren , Secretary General of Abuja MoU, confirmed that the event which is being sponsored by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ,has also received endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT).
Umoren added that the training event is part of Abuja MoU drive to keep Chief Executives of maritime administrations abreast with the required knowledge for port state control and achieve operational harmony in line with global best practices.
According to the SG, the training will achieve many goals including discouragement of sub standard ships from the shores of West and Central Africa.
Captain Umoren stated further that the Port State control training for DGs will serve as refresher and sharpen their knowledge of inspection of foreign ships visiting the ports of member countries.
The training, according to him, will harp on the need to enforce high compliance level of the ships with relevant international conventions and codes governing maritime safety, marine pollution and the living and working conditions of seafarers on board ships.
Opening session of the meeting, which will take place in Lagos, will be attended by the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and other critical stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector. An effective Port State Control regime will ensure that the region (West and Central Africa) will not be the dumping ground for sub-standard and unseaworthy vessels.
