The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken a bold step toward reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector with the unveiling of the NIMASA emission monitoring system.
The initiative, showcased at the 2025 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Balem, Brazil, represents a pioneering Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to advance African maritime decarbonisation.
According to Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, the presentation underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) energy transition strategies, leveraging digital technologies to create a verifiable emissions framework for the country’s shipping industry.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said,
“The agency has consistently driven efforts toward energy transition in the Nigerian maritime sector. The establishment of the NIMASA emission monitoring system marks a significant milestone, transforming strategic ambitions into measurable progress.”
Dr. Mobereola, represented at the event by Dr. Oma Ofodile, Director of the Marine Environment Management Department at NIMASA, highlighted that Nigeria’s maritime industry is poised for a low-carbon transition.
“Our collaboration with University College London (UCL) research teams has enabled the development of a verifiable maritime emissions inventory for Nigeria,” he explained.
The event also served as a platform to launch discussions around the need for an African Coalition to achieve IMO greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
NIMASA’s initiative aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices on the continent, ensuring the nation meets international environmental obligations.
How the NIMASA Emission Monitoring System Works
The NIMASA emission monitoring system leverages advanced digital tools to track carbon emissions from vessels operating within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Through this system, shipping companies can report fuel consumption data, and the agency can verify emission levels in real-time.
“By providing accurate and transparent emission data, the system enables policymakers, port authorities, and maritime operators to make informed decisions to reduce environmental impact,” Edward noted.
The system also aligns with IMO’s earlier regulatory frameworks, including the Energy Efficiency Design Index and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, ensuring compliance while fostering sustainable maritime operations.
International Recognition and Partnerships
At COP 30, the system was presented alongside a panel of experts from IMO, UCL, and maritime administrations from Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Representatives from Lagos State Ministries of Planning and Budget, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Ports Authority also contributed to discussions, underscoring the collaborative approach to maritime decarbonisation.
Mr. Roel Hoeders, representative of the IMO Secretary-General, commended NIMASA for establishing a platform that allows Africa to address the challenges of shipping energy transition proactively.
He emphasized the importance of Africa-led initiatives in meeting global climate targets, noting that “Nigeria’s approach offers a replicable model for the continent.”
Addressing Maritime Emissions Challenges
The IMO has long recognised that international shipping significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 2.9% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions in 2018.
Through strategies like the MARPOL Annex VI regulations, the IMO has mandated energy efficiency measures for ships, which include reporting fuel consumption for vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage.
NIMASA’s new system builds on these frameworks, providing a localized, technologically advanced approach that complements international regulations.
It enables Nigeria to monitor maritime emissions more accurately and encourages compliance among shipping operators within the country’s jurisdiction.
Implications for Nigeria’s Maritime Sector
The NIMASA emission monitoring system not only enhances environmental stewardship but also strengthens Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime industry.
By providing reliable data for decision-making, the system supports energy transition initiatives, encourages investment in green shipping technologies, and positions Nigeria as a leader in sustainable maritime operations in Africa.
Dr. Mobereola highlighted that “the system allows Nigeria to measure progress against international climate goals and demonstrates the country’s readiness to adopt low-carbon solutions in shipping.
This initiative will influence policy, regulatory oversight, and industry practices, creating a sustainable framework for maritime operations.”
As NIMASA continues to implement and refine the NIMASA emission monitoring system, stakeholders expect significant improvements in compliance with environmental standards.
The initiative also sets a benchmark for other African nations seeking to establish maritime decarbonisation strategies.
The agency has indicated plans to expand the system’s capabilities, integrating more vessels and ports over time while enhancing data analytics to provide actionable insights for climate-smart decision-making.
With global attention on climate change and carbon reduction, the NIMASA emission monitoring system represents a critical tool in Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable maritime development and environmental responsibility.
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