As Institution Keys into Global and National Vision

Even as the world marks this year’s World Maritime Day, WMD, the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Commodore Duja Effedua Emmanuel (rtd) has reiterated his commitment to align with the United Nations projection as well as the vision of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’azu Jaji Sambo to go Green in line with the theme of the 2022 WMD,  ‘’New Technologies for Greener Shipping” which the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Secretary General, Mr. Kitack Lim says  “Will provide an opportunity  to all maritime nations to promote  inclusive innovation, research and development  and technology Cooperation to showcase solutions  for decarburization  and more environmentally friendly shipping as well as climate action’’

Ahead of the WMD celebration in Nigeria, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has assured the global shipping community that “Nigeria is committed to achieving greener shipping in line with the campaign by the International Maritime Organization, IMO, to attain sustainable development in the maritime industry as Nigeria joins the IMO to commemorate the 2022 World Maritime Day”.

In line with the 2022 WMD event, the Rector told our correspond that the Academy under his watch is always on the lookout for global and local developments that has to do with shipping.

According to Effedua “We are ever watching, reading, checking and carrying out research on global shipping to stay up to date and connected to latest issues and developments around the world because of the dynamism of maritime business”.

“If you have been to the Academy you will know that we have long gone green to avert the dangers which global warming is throwing up. Staying ahead is in our DNA at the Academy and as the world marks this year’s World Maritime Day, we are prepared and good to go”

“We are very compliant because shipping is global and any institution, be it public or private must embrace global standards if it wants to stay relevant and accepted. So, whether you talk about Blue Economy or Greener Shipping we are on our toes at the Academy as we continue to work with stakeholders for an efficient industry” the Rector said

Checks at the Academy reveal that plans are afoot to introduce courses on Greener Shipping to prepare Cadets of the Academy for the demands of greener shipping which the world is embracing.

Before now, the Rector has constructed a light house in the Academy as part of training equipment at MAN in compliance with IMO regulations and recommendations to the Management of the Academy.

MAN Light House

Our credible sources at the Academy hinted that the lighthouse is also expected to raise the bar in the training of Cadets and Maritime Professionals who come for training at the Academy while also offering a strong base for Nigeria’s maritime operations and offshore activities; including training of manpower personnel in the maritime and allied industry.

From 2017 to date when the Rector was appointed to Restructure and Reposition the Academy for global excellence, the school has received accolades from international observers just as Nigerian Master Mariners, Ship Owners and maritime technocrats continue to commend the Rector and his management team for their transformational efforts which rescued the Academy from it perilous pariah state of previous years.

Speaking on the 2022 World Maritime theme, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, “Our theme ‘New technologies for greener shipping’ opens up a larger conversation about shipping’s direction and how technology can be harnessed for a more sustainable future.

“It also provides an incentive to further examine how digitalization and automation can support shipping. But technological solutions for cleaner, safer and more sustainable shipping must also benefit people. In this regard, the impact on seafarers and other marine personnel, including the need for training must be considered.” Lim said

The IMO scribe also disclosed the “IMO Headquarters building will be lit up to mark the occasion of World Maritime Day and shine a spotlight on this year’s theme. The building will boast blue and green lighting, signifying the Organization’s maritime and environmental heritage, which is reflected in this year’s World Maritime Theme”.

Evidently, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria is positioned to claim a place among top maritime Academies in the world under the leadership of Commodore Effedua who is referred to as the Professor of Excellence by his colleagues in the Nigerian Navy.