The Nigerian Government has appealed for support in its International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council bid, stressing that Nigeria’s ports remain vital trade gateways in Central and West Africa.
Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, made the appeal on Saturday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Speaking at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Oyetola said Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council Category C was crucial to sustaining global maritime engagement.
“Nigeria’s candidature is more than ambition; it is a solemn pledge of partnership with the international community,” he declared.
He highlighted Nigeria’s track record, particularly the transformative Deep Blue Project under NIMASA, which coordinated air, land, and sea assets to enhance maritime security.
“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 noted.
He added that Nigerian ports remain critical gateways for West and Central Africa, with the shipping industry ranking among the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to him, Nigeria’s campaign for a seat in the IMO Council (Category C) was founded on reciprocity and solidarity with other member states.
He explained that the strategy prioritises bilateral and multilateral collaboration, with Nigeria offering technical expertise and assistance to developing states, particularly within Africa.
Oyetola stressed that Nigeria envisions an IMO that is inclusive, representative, and forward-looking, pledging to remain both a regional maritime leader and a reliable global partner.
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He appealed for votes to enable Nigeria to drive responsible leadership, inclusivity, and collaborative progress in global maritime governance.
He further noted that with a renewed focus on the blue economy and ongoing institutional reforms, Nigeria has repositioned itself as a maritime powerhouse and dependable partner in global trade.
“Nigeria has ratified and domesticated key IMO conventions and is working to accede to others, reinforcing its commitment to maritime development across Africa,” Oyetola said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on oceans, seas, and marine resources, as well as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
“Nigeria has signed the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and has already commenced its ratification process,” he added.
He emphasised that Nigeria continues to demonstrate regional leadership by championing and validating a roadmap for the maritime industry’s development in Africa.
