By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Nigeria has urged the global maritime community to adopt a fair and inclusive approach in the transition to net-zero emissions, stressing the need for equity and support for developing countries.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London on May 3, 2026.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to decarbonising international shipping but noted that such efforts must be guided by frameworks that reflect the economic realities of developing nations. He emphasised that the global target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 should align with broader sustainable development objectives.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister held high-level talks with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, Fawaz Al Sehali, where he reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen collaboration on key maritime issues.
Discussions centred on enhancing maritime security, boosting capacity building, advancing blue economy initiatives, and ensuring a fair and inclusive energy transition.
Oyetola also restated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the IMO, anchored on shared priorities including maritime safety, institutional development, and sustainable growth of the blue economy.
In his remarks, Dominguez commended Nigeria’s commitment to maritime governance, recalling his recent visit to the country and meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a strong signal of political will.
He further praised Nigeria’s leadership in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, noting progress in curbing piracy and strengthening regional cooperation. According to him, Nigeria’s efforts provide a model for other regions.
The talks also touched on Nigeria’s growing role within the IMO Council, ongoing reforms in port modernisation and digitalisation, and initiatives to enhance human capital in line with global standards.
Meanwhile, discussions with Saudi Arabia highlighted strengthening bilateral ties, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to mutual cooperation within the IMO framework.
