Nigeria has announced its intention to seek election to Category “C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, aiming to strengthen its role in the global maritime industry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed Nigeria’s plans during the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain. He highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to align its maritime industry with international best practices, particularly in safety and security.
Oyetola emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to key maritime conventions such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. He noted that the country has maintained three years of piracy-free waters, a feat confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), thanks to the deployment of security resources in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry. I therefore urge our partners to explore this potential and assist where possible in the best interest of all. Our Maritime Academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development,” said Oyetola, encouraging international partners to explore Nigeria’s potential.
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s bid, stating that NIMASA has been working closely with the IMO technical team to address areas for improvement identified in the last audit. He assured that both NIMASA and the Ministry are committed to ensuring success in the election.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Oyetola, engaged in discussions with IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and other diplomats during the event, which focused on the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”