IMO to strengthen seafarer welfare, maritime security
…Declare ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ as theme 2025 seafarers day
By Seun Ibiyemi
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has unveiled key items on the IMO’s 2025 agenda, focusing on seafarer welfare, maritime security, and decarbonisation.
His statement comes as Nigeria ramps up its campaign for a coveted seat on the IMO Council, aiming to strengthen its influence in global maritime decision-making.
In a video address, Dominguez highlighted the importance of improving conditions for seafarers, including addressing safety concerns and reducing criminalisation.
He said, “We start 2025 focusing on three main topics, as last year. The first one, seafarers, the second one, security around the globe, and the third one, decarbonisation. When it comes to seafarers, we need to enhance the safety and security of the key personnel on board ships.
“We also need to focus on increasing the support that we provide to them, not just on decarbonisation, but also when it comes to reducing the criminalisation of seafarers; then diversity.”
He also emphasised the need for greater gender inclusion in the sector, stating: “We have made progress, particularly when it comes to gender in the maritime sector, but the reality is that there is more to come.
“I will continue to be firm on my commitment and my policy of not participating and engaging in panels where there is no female representation.”
Dominguez reiterated the IMO’s commitment to the 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) strategy, which targets decarbonisation by or around 2050.
“This is a big year for IMO, and I remain positive that member states and stakeholders will find common ground and adopt the technical and economic measures,” he said.
The theme for World Maritime Day 2025, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” the IMO Secretary-General noted, underscores the organisation’s focus on sustainable ocean governance.
Nigeria has underlined its strategic importance as Africa’s largest economy and a maritime hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
Meanwhile, in recent statements, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, reiterated its commitment to securing Nigeria’s election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The Head of the Ministry, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this during a stakeholders’ validation session in November 2024, where the nation’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy was discussed.
The Minister explained that Nigeria’s push for the IMO seat reflects its ambition to strengthen its influence in global maritime governance while driving reforms in the domestic marine sector.
“As we develop this policy, the Ministry remains committed to repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the marine and blue economy, both regionally and globally.
“We are also pursuing Nigeria’s candidacy for election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance,” Oyetola stated.
“Nigeria’s candidacy for election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance,” he added.
As the IMO gears up for a critical year, Dominguez urged member states and stakeholders to align efforts for shared goals.
“Join me in shaping a successful and memorable year for IMO,” he said, expressing optimism about the organisation’s capacity to address the maritime sector’s challenges.
