Oyetola makes final push for IMO council seat

Nigeria has intensified its final round of diplomatic outreach ahead of next week’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, leading a strong appeal to member states at a high-level luncheon held on Thursday at the IMO headquarters in London.

The strategic reception, attended by delegates from more than 150 countries, marked a major step in Nigeria’s last phase of campaign engagements before the crucial Council vote scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.

Addressing ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives and senior maritime officials, Oyetola described Nigeria as a committed maritime nation whose concrete actions rather than promises have significantly enhanced global seaborne trade.

He pointed to the country’s maritime security achievements, environmental initiatives, and ongoing blue-economy reforms as evidence of its readiness to contribute meaningfully to the IMO Council.

The minister underscored Nigeria’s leading role in transforming the Gulf of Guinea from one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones into a stable and secure corridor.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters for four consecutive years, citing International Maritime Bureau data.

This feat, he said, was made possible through strong regional coordination and the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project, which together restored international confidence among shipping lines, insurers, and seafarers.

Oyetola assured delegates that Nigeria’s policies remain aligned with the IMO’s long-term priorities, noting that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is driving key reforms to improve port efficiency, expand sustainable ocean-based industries, and protect the marine environment.

He stressed that Nigeria’s bid for the Council seat is rooted in the desire to strengthen global partnerships and promote shared responsibility in safeguarding maritime governance.

Making a direct appeal for support, the minister urged member states to lend Nigeria their “trust, friendship, and votes,” pledging that the country will continue contributing actively to advancing safety, security, environmental protection, and maritime development.

He also expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with Caribbean and Philippine nations recently hit by hurricanes and natural disasters, offering sympathy and reaffirming the importance of compassion and unity in global maritime cooperation.

Oyetola thanked delegates, the IMO Secretariat, regional organisations and industry stakeholders for their collaboration and engagement, saying their presence at the London reception reflected a collective commitment to a safer and more prosperous global maritime sector.

“The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” he said.

With just days to the IMO Council election, Nigeria’s campaign appears to be gathering strong goodwill across the maritime community, boosting confidence as the nation heads into the decisive vote next Friday.