Minister steps up efforts to secure Nigeria’s re-election into IMO Council

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has intensified efforts to ensure Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. This renewed campaign highlights Nigeria’s growing commitment to active participation in global maritime governance, as well as its desire to reinforce its strategic role in shaping international maritime laws, safety regulations, and environmental standards.

The IMO Council is the executive organ of the IMO, responsible for supervising the work of the organization. Countries elected into Category C are those with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and they represent various geographic regions of the world. Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa and one of the continent’s most significant maritime nations, has been a consistent voice within the IMO. The upcoming elections, scheduled to take place later this year in London, offer Nigeria another opportunity to consolidate its achievements in maritime development and push for more inclusive global maritime policy making.

To strengthen Nigeria’s chances at the polls, Minister Oyetola has embarked on a series of diplomatic engagements with member states of the IMO. These meetings have included bilateral discussions, strategic presentations, and collaborative forums designed to showcase Nigeria’s contributions to maritime safety, security, and economic growth. According to the Minister, Nigeria’s seat at the IMO Council is essential not just for national pride but for representing the interests of the entire West and Central African region.

“We are not just campaigning for Nigeria; we are campaigning for Africa,” Oyetola said during a recent engagement with maritime stakeholders in Abuja. “Our re-election into the IMO Council will allow us to continue advocating for developing nations, especially those in the Gulf of Guinea region, which is crucial to global trade routes and maritime security.”

Nigeria’s campaign has drawn heavily on the country’s record of implementing IMO conventions and its efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure. Over the last decade, Nigeria has made substantial progress in combating piracy and maritime crimes through the Deep Blue Project, a multi-agency security initiative designed to secure the country’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea. The deployment of maritime domain awareness technology and enhanced cooperation with international naval forces have also positioned Nigeria as a leader in regional maritime security.

The country’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, the International Maritime Bureau reported a significant drop in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, crediting Nigeria’s proactive security measures. This achievement, according to Oyetola, is evidence of Nigeria’s effectiveness as a maritime security partner and its deserving place on the IMO Council.

Additionally, Nigeria has been working to reform its port infrastructure to improve efficiency and attract investment. With ongoing modernization efforts at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, as well as plans for deep seaports in Lekki and Badagry, the country is positioning itself as a regional logistics hub. These developments are central to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which requires robust maritime connectivity for its success.

As part of the campaign strategy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has also been actively involved. The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has led technical presentations and participated in international forums to further highlight Nigeria’s maritime credentials. According to him, re-election into the IMO Council will enable Nigeria to deepen its involvement in shaping the regulatory frameworks that guide global maritime activities.

“Nigeria is no longer just a consumer of international maritime laws—we are now contributors to their development,” Jamoh said. “We want to ensure that the concerns of developing countries, particularly in Africa, are reflected in global maritime discussions.”

In preparation for the IMO elections, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has also engaged Nigeria’s foreign missions, directing them to lobby for support among IMO member states. These diplomatic efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure consistent messaging and strategic outreach across different regions of the world.

Industry watchers say that while Nigeria’s case for re-election is strong, the competition for Category C seats remains stiff, with countries from Asia, Latin America, and Europe also vying for the limited slots. Success, they argue, will depend on effective diplomacy, coalition-building, and the ability to present a compelling narrative of Nigeria’s contributions to the maritime world.

Nonetheless, optimism remains high among maritime stakeholders in Nigeria. Many see the minister’s increased advocacy as a sign of seriousness and a recognition of the global nature of maritime challenges. They believe that Nigeria’s continued presence on the IMO Council will allow it to push for equitable regulations, improved safety standards, and greater environmental responsibility in international shipping.

As the election date draws nearer, Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery is expected to intensify efforts, building on its reputation as a maritime power in Africa. The country’s determination to secure a seat at the IMO Council table not only underscores its aspirations but also reaffirms its role in the future of global maritime governance.