From Idu Jude, Abuja
As Nigeria intensifies its bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sought the support of France to strengthen the country’s chances.
Oyetola made the appeal during a diplomatic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier. The visit, which highlighted the growing maritime collaboration between both countries, also served as a platform to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 8 to 13, 2025.
Ambassador Fonbaustier was accompanied by Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy. Minister Oyetola, who will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNOC3 on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized the country’s strategic contributions to regional and global maritime affairs.
Making a compelling case for Nigeria’s inclusion in the IMO Council, Oyetola stated: “Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance.”
He noted that Nigeria’s entry into the IMO Council would further amplify its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability—particularly at a time when collaborative solutions are crucial to safeguarding global marine ecosystems.
The Minister also briefed the French envoy on the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council.
According to him, the policy provides a strategic roadmap for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources, job creation, economic diversification, and environmental protection.
“This policy aligns with the global ocean agenda and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” he explained.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s significant achievements in improving maritime security, particularly in combating piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. He cited initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and strengthened inter-agency coordination as key drivers behind the country’s transformation into a more secure maritime corridor.
“Our coordinated efforts have virtually eliminated piracy incidents, making the Gulf of Guinea safer for international shipping and trade,” he noted.
The discussions also explored Nigeria’s active involvement in the upcoming UNOC3. The conference—co-chaired by France and Costa Rica—will convene under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” Building on the momentum from the 2017 and 2022 editions, the Nice gathering aims to mobilize science-based solutions, concrete commitments, and sustainable financing for marine ecosystem management.
Minister Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to play a meaningful role at the conference, expressing the country’s dedication to global collaboration on maritime security, ocean health, and innovation in the blue economy.
He also extended his gratitude to President Tinubu “for his leadership and for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing Nigeria at such a critical global forum.”
In response, Ambassador Fonbaustier lauded Nigeria’s active role in marine and ocean affairs and commended President Tinubu’s decision to send a high-level delegation to UNOC3 under Oyetola’s leadership.
“France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to deepening bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development,” Fonbaustier said.