Nigeria has officially declared its intention to seek election into Category "C" of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, signalling its growing influence in global maritime affairs. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement during the 2024 World Maritime Day event in Barcelona, Spain.
Oyetola emphasised Nigeria's commitment to international maritime standards, noting the nation's adherence to conventions like the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. He highlighted Nigeria’s achievement in curbing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, with no reported incidents in the last three years, and pointed to the country's substantial contribution to maritime manpower.
“I am pleased to announce Nigeria’s resolve to seek Category ‘C’ membership on the IMO Council," Oyetola said, urging international partners to support Nigeria’s ambition and leverage the country's maritime expertise.
Supporting this effort, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), assured that all efforts are being made to address gaps identified by the IMO. “We have initiated work on the technical areas flagged by the IMO and have engaged in strategic communication with other member states,” Mobereola stated.
The Nigerian delegation, which included senior officials from NIMASA, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), held discussions with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, aiming to build support ahead of the upcoming council elections.
This year’s event, themed Navigating the Future: Safety First, brought together global maritime leaders to discuss emerging challenges and ensure the safety of international maritime operations remains a top priority.
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