FG seeks global support for Nigeria’s IMO council bid

By Seun Ibiyemi 

The Federal Government has appealed for international backing in its bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, stressing that Nigeria’s ports remain vital trade gateways for Central and West Africa.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in New York over the weekend during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Minister's remarks were contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.

Oyetola said Nigeria’s campaign for a Category-C seat at the IMO Council was not just an ambition, but a “solemn pledge of partnership with the international community.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s recent achievements, he pointed to the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which deployed air, land, and sea assets to combat maritime insecurity.

“Our three consecutive years of zero piracy incidents have restored confidence among global shipping stakeholders and affirmed Nigeria’s role as guarantor of maritime safety,” Oyetola said.

He stressed that Nigerian ports serve as critical gateways for trade in West and Central Africa, with the country’s shipping industry ranking among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, Nigeria’s IMO Council bid is rooted in reciprocity and solidarity, with a focus on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as sharing technical expertise with developing nations.

Oyetola also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime conventions and environmental protection, citing the country’s ratification of key IMO instruments and its progress toward acceding to others.

“Nigeria has signed the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and has already commenced its ratification process,” he said, adding that the country remains committed to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

He concluded by assuring that Nigeria is poised to provide responsible leadership and inclusivity within the IMO, while consolidating its role as a regional maritime powerhouse and reliable global partner.