MOWCA’s scribe restates maritime capacity development, urges training institutions’ synergy
By Uzor Odigbo
Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr Paul Adalikwu has restated the organisation’s resolve to bridge all the maritime human capital gap through collaboration and synergies among training institutions in West and Central Africa.
The MOWCA SG who spoke at the opening session of a four day exchange visit of the Regional Maritime University, Accra and Academie Regionale Des Scientists Et Techniques De La Mer, Abidjan to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron said Over 90% of the region’s trade is carried by sea, yet its capacity to fully harness the benefits of it’s vast domain depends largely on the quality of human capital it develops
While expressing optimism for progress through synergy, Adalikwu identified some challenges of maritime training including digital transformation and emerging maritime technologies; decarbonization and environmental compliance and maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea.
He also identified the increasing global standards for training and certification at a level attainable through synergies that would open opportunities for recognition of certification leading to maritime jobs placement for African youths.
According to the MOWCA SG, the collaboration will provide a unique platform to harmonize curricula and training standards; promote faculty and student exchanges; share infrastructure, research outputs, and best practices; develop joint certification programmes aligned with international standards and strengthen regional identity in maritime education and training.
Speaking further, Adalikwu said “Ultimately, what we seek to build is not just cooperation—but a cohesive regional maritime knowledge ecosystem.
“MOWCA remains firmly committed to supporting initiatives that enhance maritime capacity and institutional collaboration across our member states. This aligns with our broader strategic priorities, including: the development of a skilled maritime workforce; promotion of safe, secure, and efficient shipping ;strengthening regional integration; provide the needed capacity for the promotion of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Intra-African trade,” he said.
He added that the synergy will further research into African contribution in finding solutions to discuss alternative fuel energy sources, supporting the establishment of sustainable maritime institutions, including initiatives such as the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank.
Acting Rector of MAN Oron, Dr Kevin Okonna described the maiden edition of the exchange visit being hosted in Nigeria as an honour which aims to establish collaboration among the maritime training institutions in the region and across the globe.
Okonna recalled that in November 2025, MAN Oron hosted officials from the RMU Ghana at its 2025 graduation ceremony where a memorandum of understanding was entered and close to full consumption.
