Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, United Kingdom, as the country intensifies efforts to strengthen its voice in global maritime governance.
The five-day meeting, which commenced on November 2 and ends November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters in London, brings together member states to deliberate on critical issues affecting international shipping, maritime security, seafarers’ welfare and the sustainability of the global maritime industry.
Nigeria’s participation under Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council underscores its determination to contribute to international maritime policy development and advance the interests of developing maritime nations.
L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala, at the 138th session of the IMO Council in London, on Wednesday.
The meeting provides an important platform for Nigeria to engage other maritime countries on strategies to protect vital shipping routes, improve seafarers’ welfare, strengthen institutional governance and promote sustainable shipping.
Speaking on Nigeria’s participation, Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at ensuring safe, secure and sustainable maritime operations.
He noted that the growing challenges confronting the global shipping industry require collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks.
According to the minister, Nigeria is participating actively in the Council deliberations to ensure that the country’s interests are adequately represented while contributing to solutions that will strengthen maritime security, protect seafarers and promote sustainable shipping.
A major issue on the Council’s agenda is the protection of vital international shipping lanes, particularly against growing security threats and attacks on commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.
Under Agenda Item 11, which addresses the protection of vital shipping routes, Nigeria is expected to draw on its experience in combating piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea to advocate stronger international cooperation and coordinated security responses.
Oyetola maintained that Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security demonstrates the importance of political commitment, effective coordination and collaboration among coastal states and international partners.
He stressed that the country would continue to support initiatives that safeguard shipping routes, protect seafarers and secure maritime assets.
Seafarers’ welfare is another significant issue receiving attention at the meeting, following IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s condemnation of the use of seafarers as pawns in geopolitical disputes.
Nigeria is supporting measures to prevent the arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers while promoting their fair treatment, safe repatriation and mental well-being.
Oyetola emphasised that seafarers remain indispensable to international trade and must be protected against the consequences of geopolitical tensions.
He called for stronger international measures to safeguard maritime workers, uphold their rights and ensure that their safety and dignity are not compromised.
The Council is also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029, offering Nigeria an opportunity to advocate increased technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime countries.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy, stressing the need for developing maritime nations to have access to technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities to participate meaningfully in the evolving global shipping industry.
Oyetola is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director of Maritime Services, Mr Oyinloye Adeola Meshack; and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
Nigeria’s participation at the 138th IMO Council session is expected to further strengthen its engagement in international maritime affairs and reinforce the country’s commitment to maritime security, seafarer protection and the development of a sustainable global shipping industry.
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