Gboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has called for African nations to take a leadership role in decarbonising the global shipping industry.
At the African Strategic Summit on Shipping Decarbonisation held in Abuja, Oyetola urged African stakeholders to transition from discussion to action, stating, “Today, we gather not just to discuss challenges but to forge solutions that will propel Africa towards a sustainable and prosperous blue economy.”
With the global shipping industry under pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Oyetola emphasized Africa’s strategic position with its 38 coastal nations and growing maritime infrastructure. “Africa has a rare privilege to explore opportunities that this energy transition offers our region,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he added, “We must shift from being passive recipients of global policies to active decision-makers.”
Oyetola also stressed the need for a just and equitable decarbonisation process, ensuring no African nation is left behind.
The minister called for policies that would reinvest revenue from global decarbonisation into Africa’s maritime infrastructure, alternative fuel research, and workforce capacity building.
He concluded, “Together, we can shape an African maritime future that is greener, more inclusive, more prosperous.”