Nigeria has formally expressed its interest in seeking election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, underscoring the country’s commitment to maritime excellence.
This announcement was made by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain.
Nigeria’s maritime industry has made significant strides in recent years, actively participating in key international conventions such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
These efforts have been recognized by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), confirming no incidents of piracy in Nigerian waters over the past three years.
The country’s Maritime Academy is well-equipped to support maritime sector development, with adequate resources and facilities.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy urged partners to explore the potential of the country’s manpower and assist where possible.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), assured that every effort will be made to secure the IMO Category C membership.
To achieve this goal, NIMASA has met with the IMO technical team to address identified gaps, commenced work on grey areas identified during the last IMO audit, and established effective communication with other member states using the IMO GSIS platform.
Nigeria’s determination to succeed in its bid for an IMO Council seat is clear. With the country’s maritime industry poised for growth, this development is expected to have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and global maritime influence.
Minister Oyetola was accompanied on his working tour by top officials, including the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola; NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji.
The 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event brought together international maritime leaders to discuss future challenges and opportunities, prioritizing safety in the global maritime sector.
Nigeria’s interest in seeking election into the IMO Council Category C is a significant step towards enhancing its maritime influence globally.
The country’s previous attempts to secure a seat on the Council have been unsuccessful, with its last successful election being in 2009.
However, with NIMASA’s efforts to address identified gaps and establish effective communication with other member states, Nigeria’s chances of securing a seat in the upcoming election appear promising.
The IMO Council election is a significant event in the maritime industry, and Nigeria’s success would mark a major milestone in its maritime history.
With the country’s maritime industry poised for growth, Nigeria’s election to the IMO Council would have far-reaching implications for its economy and global maritime influence.
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