The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Wednesday received the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier, in his office in Abuja in a visit that underscored the deepening maritime and diplomatic relations between both countries.
The engagement came as Nigeria intensified its campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, an ambition the Minister firmly anchored during the meeting.
Ambassador Fonbaustier, who was accompanied by Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, was in the Ministry 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. Minister Oyetola is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the event on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the meeting, Minister Oyetola made a strong case for France’s support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the IMO Council later this year. He emphasized that 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 stated that Nigeria’s membership in the IMO Council would reinforce its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability, especially at a time when global collaboration is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing the world’s oceans.
Oyetola informed the French envoy of the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council. The new policy, he said, provides a comprehensive framework to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and promote environmental protection.
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