L-R: Nigeria’s Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; Germany’s Permanent Representative to IMO, Mr Mark Gebauer and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola when Oyetola addressed delegates at a lunch reception organised by Nigeria at the IMO headquarters in London on Thursday.
Nigeria has stepped up its final diplomatic engagements ahead of next week’s decisive election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, hosted a high-level lunch reception for member states at the IMO headquarters in London.
The event, held on Thursday, attracted representatives from more than 150 countries, making it one of Nigeria’s most strategic outreach activities as the country enters the closing phase of its global lobbying effort.
In his address to ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives, and senior maritime policymakers, Dr. Oyetola positioned Nigeria as a country whose maritime reforms and security interventions have delivered measurable benefits to global shipping.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s Council candidature is rooted in tangible achievements rather than pledges, asserting that the nation has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting safety and stability across the Gulf of Guinea.
The Minister drew attention to Nigeria’s remarkable security turnaround, noting that the country has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for four consecutive years, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
He attributed this milestone to enhanced regional cooperation and the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project, which has become a cornerstone of maritime security operations in West and Central Africa.
Dr. Oyetola stressed that the improved security environment has boosted confidence among international shipping lines, insurers, and maritime investors, who once viewed the region as a high-risk zone.
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s alignment with the IMO’s long-term priorities, pointing to ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening port efficiency, improving vessel turnaround times, and fostering sustainable blue-economy development.
He noted that Nigeria’s bid for Council membership is focused on partnership, shared responsibility, and the collective advancement of global maritime governance, rather than the pursuit of recognition.
In his appeal for support, Dr. Oyetola urged member states to entrust Nigeria with their “friendship and votes,” assuring them of the country’s readiness to contribute actively to discussions on maritime safety, ocean protection, and shipping innovation.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria is committed to building a global maritime ecosystem where every nation—regardless of size or geography—can benefit from safe oceans and uninterrupted trade.
The Minister also used the occasion to express solidarity with countries recently affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines, conveying condolences on behalf of the Nigerian government.
He remarked that the IMO community must continue to demonstrate empathy, unity, and collective problem-solving, especially during periods of humanitarian and environmental crisis.
Dr. Oyetola extended appreciation to the IMO Secretariat, regional blocs, and industry stakeholders for their continued engagement, noting that the strong turnout at the reception reflects the positive momentum behind Nigeria’s campaign.
He concluded by reiterating that “the seas unite us more than they divide us,” a message that underscored Nigeria’s commitment to collaboration and global maritime stability.
As the country enters the final week before the election, Nigeria continues to enjoy widespread goodwill among maritime nations—an encouraging sign ahead of the crucial vote on Friday, 28 November 2025.
