Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, reaffirming the country’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.
The five-day meeting, which held from November 2 to 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brought together member states to deliberate on critical issues affecting global shipping, maritime security, seafarer welfare and the future of the maritime industry.
Nigeria’s participation under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council highlights its determination to strengthen its influence in global maritime governance and advance the interests of developing maritime nations.
Speaking at the meeting, Oyetola said Nigeria remained committed to international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks to address emerging challenges in the maritime sector.
He stressed that the country would continue to ensure that its interests were adequately represented while contributing to global efforts to improve maritime security, protect seafarers and promote sustainable shipping.
A major issue before the Council was the protection of vital international shipping routes, particularly amid increasing security threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.
Under Agenda Item 11, which addresses the protection of vital shipping lanes, Nigeria is expected to leverage its experience in tackling piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea to support stronger international cooperation and coordinated security responses.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration among coastal states, international organisations and maritime stakeholders.
He said the country’s experience in the Gulf of Guinea had shown that maritime insecurity could be tackled through political commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among regional and international partners.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding shipping routes, seafarers and maritime assets.
Seafarer welfare featured prominently in the Council’s deliberations, particularly 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 maintained that seafarers, as critical players in global trade, deserved adequate protection irrespective of geopolitical tensions in the waters where they operate.
He called for stronger international measures to safeguard maritime workers and ensure respect for their rights, safety and dignity.
The Council is also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029, providing an opportunity for Nigeria to advocate increased technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime countries.
According to Oyetola, Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy through international partnerships that provide access to technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities.
He stressed that developing maritime nations must be adequately supported to participate meaningfully in the evolving global shipping industry.
The Nigerian delegation includes 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 at the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
The participation is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with the international maritime community and reinforce its position in shaping policies for a safer, more secure and sustainable global shipping industry.
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