Nigeria Intensifies Campaign for IMO Council Seat
Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, is leading an intensive diplomatic campaign to secure the nation's election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026-2027 biennium. This effort aims to increase Nigeria's representation and influence in global maritime governance.
Global Outreach Underway:
The campaign commenced officially at the IMO Headquarters in London on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Since then, Minister Oyetola has engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings with representatives from several maritime nations. Countries involved in this diplomatic outreach include Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, with further engagements scheduled. These meetings are intended to foster strategic alliances and garner support ahead of the IMO Council elections, slated for the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in November 2025.
Nigeria's Maritime Credentials Highlighted:
Minister Oyetola's campaign emphasizes Nigeria's contributions and potential within the global maritime sector. Key aspects of the nation's appeal include:
Maritime Security Progress: Nigeria highlights its efforts in combating maritime insecurity, citing the reported eradication of piracy in its territorial waters and a significant reduction of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea. This is attributed to the deployment of the Deep Blue Project and enhanced regional cooperation.
Extensive Coastline: Nigeria's coastline is presented as a resource with potential for maritime development and trade.
Government Agenda: The current administration's "Renewed Hope Agenda" is described as prioritizing collaboration and sustainability, consistent with IMO's objectives.
Adherence to IMO Principles: Nigeria reiterates its commitment to the IMO's principles of safety, security, and environmental responsibility in shipping.
Deepening Bilateral Ties: The Minister has expressed Nigeria's interest in strengthening bilateral maritime relations, identifying investment opportunities in areas such as shipbuilding, port modernization, green shipping corridors, and intra-African maritime trade.
Advancing Africa's Representation:
Nigeria's bid for a seat on the IMO Council is viewed as a step towards enhancing Africa's voice in global maritime governance, potentially allowing the continent to contribute to international shipping policies.
Presidential Endorsement:
Minister Oyetola has conveyed messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring the national support for Nigeria's IMO Council aspiration.
Previous and Future Engagements:
The current diplomatic efforts build upon earlier engagements, including meetings with leaders of island nations at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where support for Nigeria's IMO bid was sought. Nigeria's stated objective is to establish cooperative relationships that will extend beyond the election cycle.
