Juliet Jacob
Nigeria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to secure election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, embarking on what has been described as “door-to-door diplomacy” in London this week.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola was said to have formally launched Nigeria’s campaign at the IMO Headquarters on Wednesday, 18 June, before proceeding to a series of high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of key maritime nations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, Oyetola said: “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 engaged so far in Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach include Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, among others. Oyetola also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring what he described as Nigeria’s “seriousness and unity of purpose”.
A cornerstone of the campaign is Nigeria’s improved maritime security, particularly the eradication of piracy within its territorial waters and a sharp reduction of incidents in the wider Gulf of Guinea.
“For three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero incidents of piracy in its waters,” Oyetola said. “This feat is largely due to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and improved 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 also highlighted investment opportunities in shipbuilding and repair, port modernisation, 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,” he said. “Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations.”
Category C of the IMO Council includes countries with special interests in maritime transport and those whose election ensures the representation of all major geographic regions. Nigeria’s inclusion, he said, would elevate Africa’s voice in global maritime governance and position the country to influence international shipping policies.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness, Oyetola concluded: “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.”
