The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has affirmed Nigeria’s determination to vie for a position in Category C of the IMO Council in 2025.
Addressing the IMO General Assembly, Oyetola emphasized that Nigeria’s bid is grounded in its strategic position in the maritime sector.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, through his official handle, the Minister reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to rejuvenate Nigeria’s maritime sector for economic growth
Highlighting legislative milestones, Oyetola pointed to the enactment of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Offences Act and the successful implementation of the “DEEP BLUE PROJECT” to fortify maritime security. In marine environment management, Nigeria ratified conventions for a cleaner environment, ship-breaking criteria, global fishing standards, and oil pollution response. The Minister affirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the IMO’s greenhouse gas emissions strategy for climate action.
Emphasizing human capacity development, Oyetola outlined the success of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme in training indigenous seafarers. The Ministry’s reforms for a conducive business environment include developing a Port Community System with IMO technical support, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and simplifying cross-border trade processes.
“We have already begun the process of developing a framework that will ensure short, medium, and long-term outcomes to reposition the maritime sector to achieve the new administration’s agenda for economic growth and development.
“In the area of national security initiatives, Nigeria has continued to take concrete steps in emplacing the necessary legal and institutional framework to sustain the successes attained in ensuring maritime security within her maritime domain.
“It is noteworthy to mention in this regard the enactment of dedicated legislation, the Suppression of Piracy and Other Offences Act, which fortifies the legal framework, and in addition to that, the implementation of the Integrated National Surveillance and Waterways Protection Solution, known as “The Deep Blue Project,” which further enhances maritime security with its command and control infrastructure,” Oyetola said.
On the sidelines, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim commended Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea security efforts and lauded the visionary creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Bilateral meetings with Greece, Qatar, and Mexico showcased Nigeria’s active engagement on the global maritime stage.
The Minister’s delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Director of Marine Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata, MD of NPA, Mr. Bello Koko, and the DG of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, engaged in
As the IMO General Assembly continued, Nigeria’s proactive stance in seeking strategic collaborations and showcasing its maritime achievements marked a significant step toward shaping the global maritime agenda.
