The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched an intensive campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola officially kicked off the campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London on June 18, 2025. Since then, he has held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of key maritime nations, engaging in what is described as “door-to-door diplomacy” to strengthen Nigeria’s chances ahead of the IMO Council elections.
Speaking to delegates on the sidelines of the 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, the minister emphasised Nigeria’s value proposition:
“Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability,” Oyetola stated.
Among the nations Nigeria has reached out to are Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, with more diplomatic engagements underway. The minister also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the seriousness and national consensus backing the campaign.
A key highlight of Nigeria’s pitch is its success in tackling maritime insecurity. Oyetola noted that “security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity. Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action.”
Nigeria has maintained a zero-piracy record in its territorial waters for three consecutive years, thanks to the successful deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and strengthened regional cooperation across the Gulf of Guinea.
Looking ahead of the IMO elections, Minister Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships in maritime investment, innovation, and boosting intra-African trade.
“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations.”
The campaign for Nigeria’s IMO Council seat builds on earlier diplomatic efforts, including engagements at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France, where Minister Oyetola rallied support from island nations.
Oyetola emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to IMO values and highlighted that securing a Category C seat would strengthen Africa’s influence in global maritime policy.
