Nigeria stepped up its final round of diplomatic engagement ahead of next week’s decisive election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, making a strong case for the country’s candidacy at a well-attended reception on Thursday at the IMO headquarters in London.
The gathering, which brought together representatives from more than 150 member states, formed a central part of Nigeria’s final outreach before the vote slated for Friday, 28 November 2025.
Speaking to ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives, and senior maritime officials, Oyetola said Nigeria was approaching the contest not merely as an aspirant but as “a country whose actions in maritime security, environmental responsibility and blue-economy reforms have directly advanced global seaborne trade.”
He maintained that Nigeria’s bid was grounded in measurable progress, adding that the country had shown unwavering leadership in strengthening safety across the Gulf of Guinea.
He pointed to the transformation of the region from a high-risk maritime zone to one now experiencing “unprecedented stability”, noting that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters in the last four years, a milestone supported by data from the International Maritime Bureau.
He credited the achievement to regional cooperation and the Deep Blue Project, which he described as decisive in combating maritime crime and restoring confidence among seafarers, insurers, and international shipping stakeholders.
Oyetola assured IMO member states that Nigeria’s maritime policies were fully aligned with the organisation’s long-term objectives. Through ongoing reforms under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, he said the country was working to enhance port efficiency, foster sustainable ocean-based industries, and protect its marine environment.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s pursuit of a Council seat was aimed at strengthening collaboration rather than accruing prestige, highlighting the shared responsibility of preserving global maritime order.
Appealing for support, the minister invited countries to extend their “trust, friendship, and votes,” stressing that Nigeria was committed to contributing meaningfully to the Council’s work in safety, security, environmental protection, and maritime development. He reiterated the country’s vision of a future in which all coastal and seafaring nations—large or small—benefit from safe waters and open trade passages.
He also expressed solidarity with countries recently struck by devastating hurricanes and natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines, conveying Nigeria’s sympathy and underscoring that global maritime cooperation must be rooted in compassion and unity.
Oyetola used the occasion to thank delegates, the IMO Secretariat, regional bodies, and industry partners for their sustained engagement, noting that their presence reflected the collective spirit that defines the IMO. “The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” he remarked.
As the campaign enters its closing stage, Nigeria continues to enjoy widespread goodwill across the international maritime community, heightening anticipation ahead of next Friday’s vote.
