By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called on the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ratify and domesticate its international agreements on sustainable ocean resource management.
The appeal was made by the NSC Executive Secretary, Pius Akutah, during a courtesy visit by Dr. Jonathan Dajel, Acting Director of NESREA’s Lagos Liaison Office, to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.
Akutah emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment—through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy—to the sustainable management of ocean resources, adding that effective inter-agency collaboration is essential to achieving national goals in the marine sector.
“The NSC commends NESREA for its vital enforcement activities at Nigeria’s seaports. It is imperative that the agency be empowered to carry out its mandate without hindrance,” Akutah said. “Minister Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated the administration’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance. NESREA must take the necessary steps to ratify and domesticate its international agreements for the collective good.”
He stressed the importance of synergy among relevant agencies, urging a collaborative rather than antagonistic approach to advancing the marine economy.
In response, Dr. Dajel welcomed the opportunity for strategic partnership with the Council in its capacity as Port Economic Regulator. He highlighted the difficulties NESREA faces in accessing port terminals for enforcement duties, despite Nigeria being a signatory to various international environmental conventions.
Dajel also noted the agency’s responsibility in issuing Ballast Water Management Certificates, a critical step in reducing marine pollution and upholding international maritime standards.
Both parties agreed on the need for stronger collaboration to improve port efficiency, ensure environmental compliance, and promote sustainability in ocean resource utilization.