By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu, has said Nigeria’s maritime sector holds significant potential for driving economic growth across West and Central Africa.
Adalikwu stated this in his message to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day, describing the blue economy as a major avenue for job creation, food security, port development and regional integration.
He urged Nigeria to move beyond policy pronouncements and take practical steps to harness the economic potential of its maritime resources sustainably.
The MOWCA chief said World Maritime Day offered an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the maritime industry to global trade, economic development and environmental sustainability.
“Powering maritime excellence requires collaboration among member states, investment in maritime infrastructure, capacity building, and strict adherence to safety and environmental standards,” he said.
Adalikwu reaffirmed MOWCA’s commitment to promoting policies that would ensure a safe, secure and sustainable maritime domain across its 25 member states.
He also commended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for its role in advancing sustainable shipping and called on maritime stakeholders in the region to adopt global best practices.
World Maritime Day is observed annually on the last Thursday of September to highlight the importance of shipping, maritime safety, security and protection of the marine environment.
The 2026 celebration is taking place against the backdrop of growing global attention to decarbonisation, innovation and sustainable exploitation of ocean resources.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future,” with the focus “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
