In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s position in global maritime governance, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has launched an intensive diplomatic campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
The minister formally flagged off the campaign at the IMO headquarters in London on Wednesday, 18 June 2025. Since then, he has been leading a robust, high-level diplomatic drive, meeting one-on-one with representatives of key maritime nations in what observers have described as a “door-to-door diplomacy” effort ahead of the upcoming IMO elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, Oyetola underscored Nigeria’s intention not just to occupy a seat but to offer value-driven leadership and enduring partnerships.
“Nigeria is not merely seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a proven track record in maritime security, a vast and dynamic coastline and a renewed national agenda focused on collaboration, innovation and sustainability,” he said.
The minister’s engagements have already included bilateral meetings with countries such as Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, Italy, among others. Each meeting has reinforced Nigeria’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to IMO goals. Oyetola also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s united front and diplomatic resolve in the campaign.
At the heart of Nigeria’s candidacy is its recent success in maritime security, especially the significant reduction of piracy incidents in Nigerian waters and across the Gulf of Guinea. Oyetola highlighted that for the third consecutive year, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents – a landmark achievement credited to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and sustained regional collaboration.
“Security is the foundation of maritime prosperity,” the minister noted. “Our record shows what can be achieved when nations act boldly and work together. We are eager to share our experience and learn from others.”
Beyond security, Oyetola is also using the campaign to attract partnerships in strategic sectors such as port modernisation, shipbuilding and repair, green shipping corridors and intra-African maritime trade.
“We are offering more than promises; we are offering investment-ready opportunities. Nigeria stands prepared to collaborate with IMO Member States on building a resilient and forward-looking maritime economy,” he said.
This London campaign builds on diplomatic engagements begun earlier at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where Oyetola met with leaders from several island nations to rally support.
Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport and ensures representation across all global regions. A successful bid by Nigeria would significantly bolster Africa’s influence in shaping global maritime regulations and sustainable shipping policies.
Oyetola concluded with a call to action for IMO member states: “A vote for Nigeria is a vote for security, equity and shared progress in global maritime governance. Together, we can build a more inclusive, secure and sustainable maritime future.”
