Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a significant boost to Nigeria’s quest for greater influence in global maritime governance, the United Republic of Tanzania has formally endorsed Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
The endorsement was made during a high-level visit by Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, High Commissioner Kakele described Nigeria and Tanzania as “natural maritime partners” with aligned visions for sustainable ocean development. He noted that Tanzania’s support is rooted in Nigeria’s previous backing of its own IMO bid and a shared ambition to amplify Africa’s voice within global maritime institutions.
“We see Nigeria not only as a leader in maritime affairs but as a key ally,” Kakele said. “Our decision to support Nigeria’s IMO Council bid is both diplomatic and strategic. We are also eager to learn from Nigeria’s progress in the marine and blue economy space.”
To that end, the High Commissioner announced plans to send a team of Tanzanian maritime experts to Nigeria in the coming months to understudy institutions and policies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
In his remarks, Minister Oyetola expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s backing and emphasized the broader continental significance of Nigeria’s potential election to the IMO Council.
“A seat for Nigeria at the IMO Council is a voice for Africa,” Oyetola stated. “It allows us to collectively advocate for safer seas, equitable maritime trade, and responsible ocean resource management.”
The Minister also highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry, including plans to establish a national shipping line through a public-private partnership, and efforts to strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Collaboration with countries like Tanzania is vital as we harness the full potential of Africa’s blue economy. We welcome the proposed technical delegation and will ensure it receives full institutional support,” he added
Minister Oyetola further encouraged Nigerian investors to explore opportunities in Tanzania’s maritime sector while calling on Tanzanian investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing marine and blue economy space.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides, including Minister Plenipotentiary Allen Kuzilwa and Minister Counsellor Philbert Peter of Tanzania; and from Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori; and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede.
The visit marks a deepening of maritime ties between both nations and signals a growing momentum for unified African participation in global maritime affairs.