The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has commended Nigeria’s remarkable progress in maritime security, citing the country’s achievement of over three years without a piracy incident and its pioneering Deep Blue Project as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Mr. Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. He lauded Nigeria’s investments in maritime safety infrastructure and the synergy among security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy, which he said have significantly reduced piracy and maritime crimes in the region.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s recent submission to the IMO on its national and regional maritime security initiatives, the Secretary-General stressed the need for sustained infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment. He assured that the IMO would continue to provide technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training, and capacity-building programmes.
Domínguez also referenced ongoing and upcoming projects, including a regional conference on the Safe Seas Project scheduled for January in Ghana, as well as discussions with the European Union on a new maritime governance initiative focusing on port security. He further disclosed that two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa are underway, with progress to be monitored through measurable indicators.
Beyond security, the IMO chief urged countries to prepare for global challenges such as the energy transition, adoption of biofuels, and financing for seafarer training, infrastructure upgrades, and alternative fuels. He described Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as forward-looking, commended the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, and encouraged stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians into maritime careers.
In his remarks, Minister Oyetola said the visit reflected Nigeria’s strong partnership with the IMO. He emphasized that collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been critical to suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to consolidate recent gains, expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy, and deepen bilateral cooperation with the IMO.
Presentations during the visit highlighted Nigeria’s progress in the sector. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, outlined reforms in security, seafarer welfare, and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oluruntola; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez; an assistant to the IMO Secretary-General, Alice Montonorelle; and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, in Lagos on Thursday, during a working visit by the IMO Secretary-General to Nigeria.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s simulator-based training facilities and stressed the need for international partnerships in cadet exchange programmes. The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, detailed the port’s role in boosting cargo capacity, job creation, and foreign investment inflows.
The IMO Secretary-General also engaged with cadets at the Maritime Academy, encouraging them to seize emerging opportunities in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology.
Reaffirming the organization’s commitment, Mr. Domínguez said the IMO would continue to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance, and drive sustainable growth in the blue economy. He noted that Nigeria’s strides already stand as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.
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