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By Steve Agbota
Nigeria has stepped up its push for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under Category C, taking its campaign to New York with a high-profile reception for African Permanent Representatives to the United Nations.
Speaking at Nigeria House, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, told the envoys that the country’s candidature was “more than ambition — it is a solemn pledge of partnership with the international community.” He extended President Bola Tinubu’s warm greetings and highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.
“Nigeria envisions an IMO that is representative, inclusive, and forward-looking,” Oyetola said. “With over 240 million citizens, nearly 60 percent of whom are under 19, we are not only a regional maritime leader but also a partner for the future.”
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s maritime endowments — 853 kilometres of coastline, over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone — describing them as vital assets that position the country as a “gateway for trade in West and Central Africa.” Central to his pitch was Nigeria’s success in maritime security through the Deep Blue Project, coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). “For three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents on its waters, while incidents in the Gulf of Guinea have drastically reduced, restoring confidence for international shipping,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s alignment with global conventions, noting ratifications on greenhouse gas emissions, pollution control, maritime labour rights, and the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which is currently undergoing ratification.
“Nigeria has also spearheaded a regional roadmap to designate a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Canary and Guinea Currents,” he added, stressing the country’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on oceans and marine resources. The Minister said Nigeria’s campaign reflects reciprocity and solidarity, pledging technical assistance and knowledge-sharing with fellow African states, Small Island Developing States, and Least Developed Countries.
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for responsible leadership, inclusivity, and collaborative progress in maritime governance,” he told the diplomats.
Oyetola also stressed Nigeria’s investments in maritime education, skills transfer, and gender inclusivity. “We are fostering the participation of women as seafarers, port operators, and maritime leaders — because global progress must rest on shared opportunity,” he said.
Calling on envoys for their support in the upcoming elections, Oyetola framed Nigeria’s bid as a collective effort to shape a maritime order that is “safer, greener, more resilient, and more inclusive, one that safeguards trade, protects the planet, and uplifts people.”
