World Maritime Day: Oyetola Rallies Stakeholders to Save Oceans, Reclaim Nigeria’s IMO Council Seat

By Amina Ojelabi

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for urgent global action to safeguard the oceans, warning that pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten humanity’s most valuable natural asset.

Speaking in Lagos at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” Oyetola also announced Nigeria’s bid to reclaim its seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, describing it as “long overdue.”

“The ocean produces up to 80 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, sustains billions of livelihoods, and carries more than 80 percent of global trade—yet it is under severe threat,” Oyetola said. “The message is clear: we must be stewards, not exploiters.”
He outlined Nigeria’s commitments to sustainable fishing, pollution control, biodiversity protection, and maritime security while positioning the blue economy as a frontier for innovation and diversification away from oil dependency.

On Nigeria’s IMO campaign, Oyetola declared: “Our country has long been a key player in the global maritime industry.
With the strong support of IMO member states across continents, we are optimistic of success in the forthcoming London elections.”

Dr. Dayo Mobereola Director-General NIMASA delivering his speech at the WMD 2025

Adding weight to the call, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola stressed the urgent need for private sector financing in ocean sustainability, noting a global $150 billion annual funding gap for SDG 14—“Life Below Water.” He also highlighted Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project as a game-changer for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by Engr. Olalekan Badmus, reinforced the message, urging stakeholders to take “frontline ownership” of the ocean. He called for greener ports and sustainable maritime practices, reminding participants: “We owe posterity a duty to protect the ocean.”

The event underscored a united front by Nigeria’s maritime agencies and stakeholders, with speakers emphasizing that safeguarding the oceans is a shared responsibility. As Oyetola summed it up: “The ocean is our shared legacy. Our obligation is to safeguard it. Our opportunity is to transform it for generations to come.”