Tanzania Endorses Nigeria’s IMO Council Bid, Explores Country’s Model for Own Maritime Sector Growth

The United Republic of Tanzania has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, citing strong bilateral relations and Nigeria’s past support as key factors.

This declaration was made during a courtesy visit by the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in Abuja on Wednesday.

A statement signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and made available to our correspondent stated that, speaking during the visit, Tanzanian High Commissioner Kakele reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to fostering strategic maritime cooperation with Nigeria, describing both countries as natural partners with shared aspirations for maritime development.

He noted that Tanzania’s support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid stems not only from gratitude for Nigeria’s previous backing of Tanzania’s own IMO aspirations, but also from mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s voice on the global maritime stage.

The High Commissioner further expressed Tanzania’s eagerness to tap into Nigeria’s experience in developing its marine and blue economy sector. He revealed plans to dispatch a team of Tanzanian maritime experts to Nigeria in the coming months to understudy key government agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.