In a strategic diplomatic offensive to enhance Nigeria’s visibility and influence on the global maritime stage, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a vigorous “door-to-door” campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Oyetola formally kicked off Nigeria’s campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Since then, he has embarked on a series of high-level bilateral engagements with representatives of key maritime nations, intensifying efforts to win critical support ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, the Minister stated:
“Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability.”
Countries already engaged in the campaign include Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, Italy, and several others. The Minister also conveyed goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further underscoring Nigeria’s seriousness and unity of purpose in the bid.
Central to Nigeria’s campaign is its remarkable achievement in maritime security, particularly the elimination of piracy in its territorial waters and the significant reduction of such incidents in the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola noted that for three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents — a feat largely credited to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and enhanced regional cooperation.
“Security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity. Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action,” the Minister said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral maritime relations, Oyetola also pointed to the country’s investment potential in shipbuilding and repair, port modernization, green shipping corridors, and intra-African maritime trade.
“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations,” he added.
The Minister’s current engagements build on earlier groundwork laid at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he held meetings with leaders of several island nations to rally support for Nigeria’s IMO aspirations.
Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or whose election ensures the representation of all major geographic regions of the world. Nigeria’s election would not only elevate Africa’s voice in international maritime governance but also position the country to shape global shipping policies from a place of influence.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment, Oyetola said: “We are committed to upholding IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative, and resilient global maritime future.”
