In a determined push to strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global maritime stage, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has intensified a wide-reaching diplomatic campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Oyetola, who formally flagged off Nigeria’s campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, has since embarked on a vigorous series of high-level bilateral engagements. Since Monday this week, the Minister has been meeting with representatives of key maritime nations in what has been described as “door-to-door diplomacy” aimed at winning critical support ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking to delegates on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, the Minister said: “Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability.”
Among the countries already engaged in this diplomatic outreach are Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, Italy and several others. Oyetola also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reinforcing Nigeria’s seriousness and unity of purpose in the bid.
A cornerstone of Nigeria’s campaign is its impressive performance in maritime security, particularly the eradication of piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters and reduction of incidents in the larger Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola said for three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero incidents of piracy in its waters, a feat largely attributed to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and improved regional cooperation.
“Security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity,” Minister Oyetola stated. “Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action.”
In a show of forward-looking ambition, the Minister has also underscored Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral maritime relations, highlighting investment potential across strategic areas including shipbuilding and repair, port modernisation, green shipping corridors, and intra-African maritime trade.
“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations,” he said.
Minister Oyetola’s current engagements build on earlier diplomatic groundwork laid at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he met with leaders of various island nations to rally support for Nigeria’s IMO aspirations.
Category C of the IMO Council includes countries with special interests in maritime transport and those whose election ensures the representation of all major geographic regions of the world. Nigeria’s inclusion would further elevate Africa’s voice in global maritime governance and allow it to shape international shipping policies from a position of influence.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness, Oyetola said: “We are committed to upholding IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative and resilient global maritime future.”
