On Tuesday 12th April 2022, Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe, accompanied by Zerah Waminaje, Second Secretary, and Olga Papadopoulou, Social Secretary, attended a lunch meeting at the offices of Diana Shipping Inc.

They were hosted by Mrs. Semiramis Paliou, CEO Diana Shipping and President of the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), Mrs. Olga Stavropoulou the organisation’s Director General and Director Mr. Panos Zacharadis.

Discussions centered on the ongoing plans for collaboration between Nigeria and Greece in the maritime sector, particularly the setting up of a similar organisation in Nigeria- “NIMEPA” which is underway.

HELMEPA, formed in 1982 as the pioneering voluntary commitment of Greek seafarers and ship owners to safeguard the seas from ship-generated pollution marks its 40th anniversary this June. Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives such as these are key to achieving the SDGs. The Nigerian Government is committed to protecting our environment.