Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria has intensified its last round of diplomatic engagements ahead of next week’s crucial election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, leading a persuasive outreach to global maritime delegates in London.
At a well-attended lunch reception hosted on Thursday at the IMO headquarters, Oyetola addressed ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives, and senior maritime policymakers from more than 150 countries, making one of Nigeria’s strongest appeals yet ahead of the vote scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.
Oyetola told delegates that Nigeria’s bid for re-election is anchored on concrete achievements that have advanced global maritime safety, security, and sustainability. According to him, Nigeria is “not just a contender,” but a nation whose decisive actions have helped reshape the Gulf of Guinea from a high-risk zone into one of growing stability.
Citing the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the minister reiterated that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters over the past four years, a milestone he attributed to strengthened regional cooperation and the success of the Deep Blue Project. He noted that the improved security climate has boosted confidence among seafarers, insurers, and international shipping companies.
Beyond security, Oyetola stressed that Nigeria’s policies are fully aligned with the IMO’s long-term priorities, especially in the areas of port efficiency, sustainable blue-economy reforms, and environmental protection. He described Nigeria’s council ambition as a commitment to “partnership, not prestige,” emphasising the country’s readiness to make constructive contributions to the IMO’s work.
In a direct appeal, the minister asked member states to lend Nigeria their “trust, friendship, and votes,” assuring them that the country remains committed to fostering safe oceans, secure trade routes, and inclusive maritime development for all nations.
Demonstrating solidarity with countries recently hit by severe hurricanes and natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines, Oyetola extended condolences on behalf of Nigeria, underscoring that cooperation in the global maritime community must be shaped by compassion as well as shared responsibility.
He also expressed appreciation to delegates, the IMO Secretariat, regional blocs and industry partners for their continued engagement, noting that their presence at the reception reflects the “collective purpose that defines the IMO.”
“The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” Oyetola said, capturing the spirit of the event.
With days to the decisive vote, Nigeria appears to be enjoying broad goodwill within the international maritime community, a development that has boosted confidence as the country enters the final stretch of its campaign for a seat on the IMO Council.