WORKING VISIT OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL, MARITIME ORGANIZATION OF WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA (MOWCA) TO THE HON. MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, MERCHANT MARINE AND THE SEA HELD ON 14TH MARCH, 2024 AT LIBREVILLE, GABON
The Secretary General of MOWCA, His Excellency, Dr. Paul Adalikwu on 14th March, 2024, embarked on a working visit to the Hon. Minister of Transport, Marchant Marine and the Sea, His Excellency, Moudouma Ndinga Dieudonne Loic.
Both parties, after exchange of civilities, discussed extensively in addressing pertinent issues and finalise the programme and date proposed by IMO for the upcoming workshop scheduled for July, in Gabon.
The SG in his opening speech gave an overview of MOWCA and highlighted his blueprint at repositioning and reviving the hitherto moribund organization upon his assumption of office in December, 2021.
He swiftly swung into action by:
- Engaging with Member States to restore their confidence in the organization ;
- Engaged with organizations such as IMO (where a Joint Action Plan was signed between IMO and MOWCA), AFREXIM bank, AfDB, AfCFTA, AU, ECOWAS, ISCOS, ECCAS, ICC YAOUNDE ;
- Provided a robust working environment with staff having their schedule of duties ;
- Working assiduously at ensuring that the establishment of the RMDB come into fruition in no distant time among others.
He also expressed concern over the incidence of the Esther Miracle boat mishap which occurred in March, 2023 in Gabon with several lives lost.
Additionally, he informed the Hon. Minister that MOWCA is at the verge of transforming into African Maritime Organization (AMO) to allow for a stronger voice at the international arena like the IMO as a United African bloc.
The Hon. Minister in his response expressed delight at the humongous achievement of the SG and the plan to organize a regional workshop in Gabon after the incident of the Esther Miracle ferry mishap in March 2023.
He pledged his country’s commitment at settling their financial contribution to MOWCA.
He further promised that the Prime Minister will be on ground to officially declare the workshop open in July.
The SG presented to the Hon. Minister, MOWCA’s 2022 Annual Report, calendars and brochures as the meeting came to a close with group photograph.
Source : MOWCA
