The 16th meeting of the Port State Control Committee (CCNEP) and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concluded in Libreville, Gabon, on September 25, 2026. The conferences brought together representatives from 22 member states, international organizations, and diplomatic corps to discuss maritime security, environmental protection, and capacity building for maritime administrations. The events were covered by the Gabon Press Agency.
Key recommendations from the conferences focus on enhancing the capabilities of maritime administrations, improving inspector training and rehabilitation, and strengthening national control capacities. Strategic priorities for the Abuja MoU were also defined for the coming years. These outcomes aim to bolster maritime security, environmental protection, and effective ship control in the region.
The four-day conference featured discussions on various critical topics, including the Secretariat's activity report, regional inspection statistics, and the results of the latest inspection campaign. Participants also examined the harmonization of control procedures, the ISIS information system, and conditions for admitting new members. Proposals for amending the texts governing the Abuja MoU were also on the agenda.
The ministerial conference, the supreme decision-making body of the Abuja MoU, reviewed and adopted the recommendations. As the host country, Gabon reaffirmed its commitment to the Abuja MoU objectives and its willingness to continue cooperating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Organization for Maritime Safety in West and Central Africa (OMAOC), and the 22 member states.
The Abuja MoU, signed in 1999, aims to ensure maritime safety and prevent marine pollution in West and Central Africa. The agreement has 22 member states and is an essential instrument for regional maritime governance. Its implementation has contributed significantly to improving maritime security and environmental protection in the region.
The conferences in Libreville demonstrated the commitment of the member states to addressing maritime security and environmental challenges. The effective implementation of the adopted recommendations will depend on the cooperation and coordination of all parties involved. Gabon's active role in promoting regional maritime safety and environmental protection was highlighted during the events.
The successful conclusion of the CCNEP and Abuja MoU conferences in Libreville marks a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and environmental protection in West and Central Africa. The recommendations adopted will be instrumental in guiding the future actions of member states and international organizations in the region.
Key points
- The conferences adopted key recommendations to enhance maritime security, environmental protection, and capacity building for maritime administrations in the region.
