The Managing Director of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Charles Wami has called for a stronger regulatory action to address Nigeria’s troubling rate of marine accidents, citing recent incidents with fatal outcomes.

At the Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) 2024 Seminar and Awards which held at the NUJ press centre on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Wami urged agencies like NIMASA and NIWA to intensify safety efforts to protect lives on coastal and inland waterways.

Speaking on the sub-theme, Maritime Safety Concerns and Approaches,” Wami, represented by Egben Okore, emphasized that current maritime safety efforts need to be reinforced. He proposed greater community engagement, recommending public safety campaigns and donations of life-saving equipment at jetties as immediate steps to improve safety.

“The frequency of marine accidents is no longer news. What matters now is how we find solutions,” said Wami, noting that maritime safety is a collective responsibility, not solely that of regulatory bodies. He urged NIMASA, NIWA, and other stakeholders to use existing research to inform effective solutions.

Another industry expert, James Babalola lauded EMR’s initiative to spotlight maritime sector issues, urging that regulatory bodies enforce professional standards within the sector.

He also praised the Rivers State government’s Port City project, which he believes will unlock economic opportunities and job creation in the maritime sector.

The seminar served as a pivotal call to action, pressing stakeholders to leave no stone unturned in securing Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways.