Esther Oritse
Lagos — In a bid to reaffirm its commitment in strengthening its role in global maritime affairs and increase her influence, Nigeria is set to pursue a seat in Category “C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this announcement during the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event held in Barcelona, Spain.
In his remarks, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance its maritime industry, ensuring that it aligns with globally recognized best practices. “Nigeria has implemented the foundational elements required to develop our maritime sector, positioning us as a proactive and responsible player on the international stage,” the Minister said.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime safety conventions, noting, “Our active participation in key conventions, including the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, underscores our dedication to safeguarding international shipping operations. We are proud of our track record in upholding these critical conventions.”
He pointed out that Nigeria has made significant strides in combating piracy in its waters, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. “There have been no incidents of piracy in the last three years, a development confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). By deploying resources to bolster maritime security assets, Nigeria has solidified its position as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea region,” he said.
In addition to maritime security, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s capacity to contribute valuable manpower to the global maritime industry. “Nigeria continues to be a reliable source of skilled maritime professionals. Our Maritime Academy is well-equipped with the necessary resources and facilities to support this, and we encourage our international partners to tap into this potential for mutual benefit,” he added.
With these accomplishments in mind, Oyetola officially announced Nigeria’s intention to seek election to the IMO Council under Category “C.” This category is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and Nigeria is poised to leverage its unique position in Africa’s maritime landscape to secure a seat.
Similarly, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of success in the upcoming IMO Council elections. He assured that every necessary step is being taken to ensure a successful bid.
“We at NIMASA have already initiated discussions with the IMO technical team and have begun addressing the grey areas identified during Nigeria’s last audit by the IMO. We are working diligently to close those gaps and ensure that Nigeria meets all the required standards for membership,” Mobereola stated.
He further explained that NIMASA has also begun leveraging the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GSIS) platform to communicate effectively with other member states, enhancing Nigeria’s visibility and outreach. “While NIMASA focuses on the technical aspects of our preparations, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will provide the necessary political support to ensure Nigeria’s successful return to the IMO Council,” Mobereola added.
Nigeria’s bid for a Category “C” seat on the IMO Council aligns with the country’s broader vision of playing a more active role in shaping international maritime policies while reinforcing its leadership in the African maritime space. With ongoing efforts to improve its maritime safety, security, and workforce development, Nigeria is well-positioned to make a strong case for its inclusion in the Council.
