Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive global maritime engagement following its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, as the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, hosted an appreciation lunch for IMO delegates in London on Monday, 1 December 2025.
Addressing dignitaries, diplomats and representatives of member states, Dr Oyetola expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, emphasising that the country’s return to the IMO Council reflects a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s role within the international maritime system.
He noted that the support Nigeria received during the election was a reaffirmation of global belief in the nation’s constructive engagement and its commitment to contributing effectively to the organisation’s mission.
The Minister described the election as both a privilege and a weighty responsibility, stressing that Nigeria understands the gravity of serving on a Council that shapes critical global maritime policies. He highlighted that the IMO’s mandate extends to improving international maritime safety, driving decarbonisation, protecting the marine environment, enhancing maritime security and building a sustainable blue economy. Nigeria, he said, is fully committed to justifying the trust placed in it through purposeful leadership and meaningful collaboration.
Dr Oyetola outlined the reforms currently underway in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector under President Tinubu’s guidance. These reforms aim to strengthen maritime safety and security, modernise ports, enhance flag and port state administration, advance hydrographic capabilities, improve seafarer development and expand critical maritime infrastructure. He emphasised that safeguarding a safer, greener and more efficient maritime environment is a shared global responsibility, noting that improvements in Nigeria’s maritime domain positively influence international shipping and coastal nations alike.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated that the country will continue championing the values that underpin the IMO: cooperation, transparency, regulatory stability and equitable global maritime development. As a Council member, Nigeria intends to intensify advocacy for capacity-building for developing nations, expand avenues for technical cooperation and promote a level playing field that enables all states to confront emerging maritime challenges effectively.
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