The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a robust diplomatic campaign aimed at securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Oyetola formally kicked off Nigeria’s campaign this week at the IMO Headquarters in London and has since intensified high-level bilateral meetings in what has been described as a “door-to-door diplomacy” drive to garner strategic international support ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Since Monday, the Minister has held a series of engagements with delegates from key maritime nations including Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico and Italy, among others.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council, Oyetola said, “Nigeria is not merely seeking a seat; we are bringing partnership, commitment and leadership to the table. We come with a strong record in maritime security, a vast coastline teeming with opportunity, and a renewed national agenda rooted in collaboration and sustainability.”
As part of his engagements, the Minister also delivered goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further underscoring the country’s unified commitment to the bid.
A major pillar of Nigeria’s campaign is its success in maritime security, especially in eradicating piracy in its territorial waters and reducing incidents in the wider Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola noted that Nigeria has recorded zero incidents of piracy for three consecutive years, attributing the achievement to the deployment of the Deep Blue security infrastructure and enhanced regional collaboration.
“Security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity,” he said. “Our progress shows what can be achieved through bold and coordinated action.”
In addition to maritime safety, Nigeria is seeking to position itself as a reliable partner in global shipping development. Oyetola has reiterated the country’s readiness to strengthen bilateral maritime ties and unlock investments in key areas such as shipbuilding, ship repair, port infrastructure, green shipping corridors and intra-African maritime trade.
“Nigeria is prepared to work alongside IMO Member States to reinforce the pillars of international maritime growth. Our intention is to build enduring partnerships that transcend electoral cycles and deliver lasting impact for generations to come,” he stated.
This latest diplomatic push follows groundwork laid at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where Oyetola engaged with leaders of island nations to galvanise support for Nigeria’s ambition.
Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or those whose election ensures geographical representation across major global regions. Nigeria’s election would bolster Africa’s voice in maritime governance and provide a platform to influence international shipping policy.
Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment, Oyetola said, “We are dedicated to advancing IMO’s principles of safety, security and environmental stewardship. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, collaborative and resilient maritime future.”
