.As Hon. Oyetola Pledges Balanced Decision-Making in Global Maritime Governance
.Dr. Mobereola Promises Transformative Maritime Agenda if Elected to IMO Council
ZAINAB JUNAID
In a major diplomatic move on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110), Nigeria has officially flagged off its campaign for election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium.
Led by Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the high-profile campaign flag-off, took place on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, at the Delegates’ Lounge of the IMO Headquarters in London.
L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Mercy Haruna-Adeoye and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during the launch of Nigeria’s campaign for election to Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, at the IMO Headquarters in London, on Wednesday.
The event underscored Nigeria’s maritime relevance and renewed its commitment to global shipping governance. It also brought together prominent personalities including the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Permanent Representatives, Alternate Permanent Representatives, diplomats, and maritime delegates from over 120 IMO Member States.
In his keynote address, Oyetola extended warm regards from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and emphasised Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to the IMO’s mandate.
L-R: Ecuadorian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), H.E. Ecuadorian Gabriel Villafuerte; Ecuadorian Alternate Permanent Representative to IMO, Ms. Luisa Burgess; Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, during the launch of Nigeria’s campaign for election to Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, at the IMO Headquarters in London, on Wednesday.
“Today, we formally declare Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium,” he announced. “As a responsible maritime nation strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea — one of the most commercially significant and security-sensitive shipping routes in the world, Nigeria remains resolute in supporting the IMO’s mandate to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping.”
Oyetola underscored Nigeria’s acclaimed Deep Blue Project as a model of maritime security innovation which is coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the multi-layered initiative integrates air, land, and sea assets to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He noted that the implementation of the Deep Blue Project has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters over the past three years, a milestone that has drawn global commendation, particularly from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (right) and Poland’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ms. Malgorzata Buszyńska, at the launch.
In addition to security achievements, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s progress on maritime reforms, stating, the country has ratified and domesticated numerous IMO instruments and is currently in the process of adopting additional conventions on greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling, and maritime labour protections; reinforcing its commitment to both environmental protection and the welfare of seafarers.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage and human capital potential, he stressed that with a population exceeding 240 million, 60% of whom are under the age of 19, Nigeria is not only a regional maritime leader, but a future-ready partner.
“We are investing in maritime education and capacity development, with the potential to contribute over two million skilled seafarers to the global labour pool in the coming decade,” he said.
Continuing, he emphasised how gender equality remains a priority to Nigeria noting, “We are also making deliberate efforts to empower women in maritime, supporting initiatives that encourage female seafarers, port professionals, and maritime leaders, because progress in partnership must be inclusive.”
Nigeria’s record of constructive engagement within the IMO speaks for itself as the country continues to offer technical support and share best practices with fellow developing countries, particularly within Africa, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making in global maritime governance.
“We stand ready to work with all Member States to build a safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime future,” he said.
Also, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring role in the international maritime community. “Nigeria is proud to be a committed and reliable global partner in advancing maritime security, promoting environmental responsibility, and ensuring fair and equitable participation in the governance of international shipping,” he said.
He added that if elected to the IMO Council, Nigeria will lead, partner, and deliver on a transformative maritime agenda that benefits the entire global community.
