Nigeria Reasserts Global Maritime Leadership as Oyetola Hosts IMO Delegates in London

Nigeria has renewed its pledge to active and responsible participation in global maritime governance following its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

To mark the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, hosted an appreciation luncheon for IMO delegates in London on Monday, 1 December 2025.

Addressing diplomats, government representatives and maritime stakeholders, Oyetola conveyed the gratitude of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria for the overwhelming support received during the Council election. He noted that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is a clear affirmation of international confidence in the country’s constructive engagement and long-standing contributions to maritime development.

Describing the election outcome as both an honour and a significant responsibility, the Minister said Nigeria fully recognises the weight of serving on a Council that directs key global maritime policies. He underscored the IMO’s broad mandate, which includes maritime safety, decarbonisation, environmental protection, security and sustainable blue-economy growth—and affirmed Nigeria’s determination to deliver credible, collaborative leadership.

Oyetola highlighted ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector under President Tinubu’s administration. These reforms focus on enhancing maritime safety and security, modernising port operations, improving flag and port state administration, strengthening hydrographic services, expanding maritime infrastructure and deepening capacity-building for seafarers.

He stressed that creating a safer, greener and more efficient maritime environment is a shared international obligation, adding that improvements within Nigeria’s maritime domain positively impact global shipping and coastal communities worldwide.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, the Minister said the country will continue to uphold the core values of the IMO: cooperation, transparency, regulatory predictability and inclusive maritime development. Nigeria intends to champion technical cooperation, capacity-building for developing nations and policies that promote equitable participation in the global maritime space.

He assured delegates that Nigeria’s Council engagements will remain forward-looking, inclusive and solutions-oriented. The country, he said, is committed to strengthening partnerships with IMO member states, the IMO Secretariat and key industry actors to advance maritime safety, sustainability and economic prosperity throughout the 2026 to 2027 Council term.

Oyetola also commended IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and the IMO leadership for their professionalism and continued dedication to global maritime progress. He congratulated all newly elected Council members across Categories A, B and C, noting the collective importance of their roles in shaping the organisation’s future.

The event concluded on a warm, optimistic note as the Minister thanked delegates for their support and partnership, encouraging them to enjoy Nigeria’s hospitality.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria looks forward to deepening cooperation, shared progress and meaningful contributions during its new term on the IMO Council.