The Nigerian government’s renewed push to secure a Category ‘C’ seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has drawn mixed reactions from maritime stakeholders.
While some applaud the effort, others question the country’s readiness and the strategic approach required to secure votes from other maritime nations.
Recall that in a bid to regain its seat, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, recently inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with spearheading the campaign.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola had emphasized the need for a comprehensive, inclusive strategy incorporating diplomatic and operational tactics. He highlighted Nigeria’s previous successes in 1975, 2001, and 2005, while acknowledging failures in subsequent attempts from 2011 to 2019.
Despite this renewed enthusiasm, the maritime community remains divided over whether Nigeria can succeed this time around.
In a chat with our correspondent, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, President of the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron (AMANO) and Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), expressed cautious optimism, but stressed that the campaign hinges on political maneuvers rather than operational achievements.
“Category ‘C’ is purely a political seat,” Maiguwa noted. “If Nigeria feels it has the political asset to campaign and secure votes, they might succeed. However, the real question is: at what cost?” He added that Nigeria should focus on achieving Category A or B seats, which are tied to operational performance, instead of settling for Category C. “Demonstrating regional leadership would naturally attract support, making the Category C seat a fallback rather than an end goal.”
On his part, Captain Tony Onarigho, former President of the Nigeria Institute of Shipping, highlighted Nigeria’s lack of adequate maritime assets, such as vessels and tonnage, as a potential hindrance. “We need to lobby countries like Liberia and Panama, which have significant tonnage, to endorse our bid. Without a clear lobbying strategy and industry expertise, Nigeria’s chances remain slim.”
Onarigho criticized the current approach as disorganized, warning that the government risks failure if it does not engage stakeholders who understand the dynamics of the IMO election process. He argued that the absence of a robust maritime industry and clear incentives for potential supporters weakens Nigeria’s case.
Speaking also, Captain Waredi Eniousouh, a seasoned maritime expert, was more reserved in his assessment. “Only the administration can determine whether Nigeria is ready,” he said, adding that the newly formed committee must prove its competence. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, he refrained from expressing confidence in their ability to secure the seat.
Recall also that as part of the campaign, Oyetola recently met with Liberia’s Minister of Transportation, Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, during the ongoing 133rd Session of the IMO Council in London. This meeting, as revealed in a post by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on X, focused on soliciting Liberia’s support for Nigeria’s bid.
While such diplomatic engagements are crucial, stakeholders argue that Nigeria must offer tangible incentives to secure widespread backing. Critics also note that Nigeria’s maritime industry has not demonstrated the level of growth or leadership expected of an IMO Council member.
