Oyetola Pushes Nigeria IMO Council Bid In New York

Nigeria’s campaign for a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has gained new ground in New York, where the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, met with African Permanent Representatives to the United Nations.

The reception, held at Nigeria House, comes ahead of the IMO Council elections later this year.

The campaign was first launched in London on June 18 at the IMO headquarters, with New York serving as another step in a series of diplomatic efforts to secure broad support for Nigeria’s candidacy under Category C. Oyetola delivered the message of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the bid represents a partnership commitment to the global maritime community rather than just a national ambition.

He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic strengths, including an 853-kilometre coastline, more than 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone along the Gulf of Guinea. According to him, these assets make Nigeria central to maritime trade and safety in the region.

The minister also drew attention to security advances achieved through the Deep Blue Project of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which has integrated land, air, and sea resources to secure waterways. For three years, Nigeria has recorded no piracy incidents in its waters, while piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has dropped significantly, restoring global shipping confidence.

Oyetola noted Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in maritime regulation and its growing blue economy agenda. He said the country has ratified key IMO conventions and is working toward adopting more treaties on greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling, and labour rights. He explained that Nigeria is aligning with global standards on emissions, port sustainability, and pollution control.

He further affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 on ocean conservation and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Calling for support, Oyetola said backing Nigeria’s bid would promote responsible leadership, inclusivity, and balanced progress in international maritime governance.