The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has restated Nigeria’s commitment to the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) leadership and the Regional Maritime Development Bank.
Oyetola who reaffirmed this in Abuja on Thursday when he received Dr Paul Adalikwu, MOWCA Secretary General, identified the bank as an important catalyst for maritime development to finance platforms and infrastructures for economic growth.
While commending the initiative of a MOWCA workshop for the prevention of waterways accidents slated for Libreville, Gabon later in the year, Oyetola expressed interest in having similar programmes brought to Nigeria to promote waterways safety.
The minister urged all MOWCA member countries to contribute their quotas in ensuring that the maritime bank is adequately financed,
According to him, Nigeria will be transparent in the nomination of qualified persons to fill the allotted positions to the country including the post of President and Managing Director of the bank.
While commending Adalikwu for properly organising the MOWCA Secretariat and promoting good corporate governance, Oyetola advised that due diligence be observed before the full take-off of the bank to avoid mistakes from inception.
Speaking earlier, Adalikwu who was on his first visit to the minister since the creation of the marine and blue economy ministry, said Nigeria’s stake in regional maritime issues is expanding.
He said the bank’s charter provided that a minimum of eight countries should endorse the Charter and that nine countries have so far signed up for the bank creating the grounds for easy takeoff.
According to him, 51% of the bank shares are reserved for member countries while 49% of equity would be owned by private sector stakeholders in the project.
He informed the minister that MOWCA under his watch has become more accountable and transparent in running its affairs with detailed annual reports made available for the Council of Ministers and member countries.
Dr Adalikwu said the Board of Regional Maritime University in Ghana has approved that Nigeria be invited into the board of the University.
Adalikwu presented a detailed annual report showing MOWCA activities in 2022 and informed the minister that the 2023 report presently being printed will be ready in April. The courtesy visit ended with assurances of mutual cooperation.
