AMANO at the 16th Abuja MoU Port State Control Committee Meeting
The President of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), Emmanuel Maiguwa, represented the association at the 16th Port State Control Committee Meeting of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU).
AMANO has maintained a consistent presence as an official observer at these regional gatherings for years, underscoring the alumni body's dedication to regional maritime governance.
During the event, President Maiguwa held several strategic bilateral engagements, including a notable meeting with His Excellency Hermann Immongault, Vice President of Gabon. The summit also showcased the strong influence of the Academy’s alumni, with fellow AMANO alumnus Capt. Sunday Michael Umoren leading discussions in his capacity as Secretary General of the Abuja MoU, alongside Geert De Jeu, Secretary of the Paris MoU.
Key Deliberations and Regional Commitments
Deliberations centered on accelerating the ratification of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments across member states, highlighting Liberia's achievement in reaching full 100% ratification. On operational performance, inspection statistics across the region showed positive momentum, with Gabon leading PSC inspection activity in 2025 at 55.1%. To maintain this progress, member states unanimously resolved to safeguard the operational independence of Port State Control Officers, ensuring they have full authority to execute their duties and detain non-compliant vessels free from political interference.
Enhancing Inspections, Seafarer Welfare, and Leadership
The committee expanded its enforcement framework by committing to Focused Inspection Campaigns (FIC) alongside traditional Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CIC), while endorsing a roadmap to roll out PSC inspections for fishing vessels. Recognizing the human element, member states agreed on regional guidance to enhance inspector competence in evaluating crew fatigue, abandonment, harassment, and fair treatment, ensuring seafarers affected by vessel detentions are protected.
Wrapping up administrative matters, the Ministerial Committee elected the Gabonese Republic to chair the Abuja MoU for the next two years.
AMANO’s Perspective
These outcomes demonstrate a strong regional push toward raising safety standards, strengthening enforcement, and keeping seafarer welfare at the core of maritime operations.
As long-standing observers, AMANO remains steadfast in supporting regional authorities to eliminate substandard shipping and advance a safer, more sustainable maritime domain across West and Central Africa.
