Abuja MOU Extends Captain Sunday Umoren’s Tenure for Another Four Years
The Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Committee has unanimously reappointed Captain Sunday Umoren as Secretary-General for a second four-year term, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the region’s maritime sector.
The committee, comprising 22 member countries from West and Central Africa, made the decision during its annual meeting in Conakry, Guinea, from October 6th to 10th, 2025.
Captain Umoren’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening port state control regimes across the region, with transformative reforms that have improved maritime safety oversight, compliance monitoring, and capacity development for member nations. His efforts have earned commendations from international maritime stakeholders, who praise his outstanding leadership and vision.
The Abuja MOU meeting provided a strategic platform for Nigeria to galvanize continental support for its re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. Nigeria’s delegation, led by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, included key officials from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, and Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (AMANO).
The reappointment of Captain Umoren has generated optimism among stakeholders that the region is poised for deeper collaboration and stronger regulatory alignment, leading to safer, cleaner, and more efficient maritime operations in Africa. With Captain Umoren at the helm, the Abuja MOU is likely to continue playing a critical role in shaping the region’s maritime sector and promoting sustainable development.
The extension of Captain Umoren’s tenure provides a sense of continuity and stability, essential for the organization’s long-term success. As the Abuja MOU continues to evolve and grow, it is likely to face new challenges and opportunities, but with Captain Umoren’s leadership, the organization is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
