IMO Secretary-General hails Nigeria’s maritime security success, endorses blue economy policy
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has praised Nigeria’s achievements in maritime security and the development of its blue economy, describing the country’s Deep Blue Project as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
He commended Nigeria’s record of zero piracy incidents in over three years, noting that investments in maritime safety infrastructure and collaboration among security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy, have significantly strengthened maritime safety in the region.
The IMO chief lauded Nigeria’s recent submission to the organization detailing its national and regional security initiatives, while calling for sustained investments in modern equipment and infrastructure.
He assured that the IMO would continue to provide technical support through training programmes, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives.
Highlighting broader challenges, Domínguez urged Nigeria and other maritime nations to prepare for the global energy transition, adopt cleaner fuels, and strengthen financing mechanisms for seafarer training and infrastructure development.
He also commended Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a forward-looking framework for sustainable resource management, and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron.
Minister Oyetola, in his response, said the visit underscored Nigeria’s strong relationship with the IMO and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to consolidating gains in maritime security and expanding opportunities in the blue economy.
During the visit, officials including NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy Dr. Kevin Okonna, and Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone Mr. Wang Qiang showcased Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, training infrastructure, and port development projects.
Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy, encouraging them to seize opportunities in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology. He reaffirmed IMO’s partnership with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and promote the sustainable growth of the blue economy.