Nigeria has stepped up its high-level diplomatic engagements ahead of next week’s crucial election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. On Thursday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, hosted a strategic luncheon at the IMO headquarters in London, drawing delegates from more than 150 member states in one of the country’s final outreach efforts before the vote scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.
Addressing ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives, and senior maritime policymakers, Oyetola positioned Nigeria not merely as a candidate but as a country whose maritime reforms, security enhancements, and environmental stewardship have directly supported global shipping and international trade. He noted that Nigeria’s bid is anchored on measurable achievements, particularly in maritime security, rather than aspirational commitments.
The minister highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Gulf of Guinea from one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones into a corridor now experiencing unprecedented stability. He reaffirmed that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for four consecutive years, referencing data from the International Maritime Bureau. This progress, he said, is the result of strong regional collaboration and the successful deployment of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, which has significantly bolstered surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Oyetola assured delegates that Nigeria’s maritime policies are fully aligned with the IMO’s long-term priorities. He emphasised ongoing reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, advancing ocean-based industries, protecting the marine environment, and deepening blue economy development. According to him, Nigeria seeks a seat on the IMO Council not for prestige but to strengthen global partnerships and contribute more meaningfully to the organisation’s work on safety, security, environmental sustainability, and maritime development.
Appealing for member states’ support, he urged nations to extend their “trust, friendship, and votes” to Nigeria, pledging that the country would continue championing safe seas and secure trade routes for all maritime states, regardless of size or geographic advantage.
During the event, Oyetola also expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with IMO member states recently affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines. He offered condolences and stressed that global maritime cooperation must be rooted in compassion, unity, and shared responsibility.
He further thanked the IMO Secretariat, regional bodies, and industry stakeholders for sustained collaboration, noting that the strong turnout at the reception reflected the shared commitment to strengthening global maritime governance.
“The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” he remarked.
With Nigeria entering the decisive final stretch of its campaign, the country continues to enjoy widespread goodwill across the international maritime community, raising optimism ahead of next Friday’s vote.
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