In a strategic diplomatic push at the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has begun courting support from island nations as Nigeria seeks election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council later this year.
Oyetola held high-level meetings with key representatives from small island nations, including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape; Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Joyelle Clarke; and Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia.
The diplomatic outreach, according to Oyetola, was not only about seeking votes but forging strategic partnerships rooted in shared vulnerabilities and common aspirations in the global maritime space.
“Our aspiration is driven by the need for greater representation of Africa, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in international maritime decision-making,” the Minister stated. “Nigeria is committed to being a reliable ally on issues such as maritime decarbonization, sustainable ocean governance, and equitable shipping practices.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s recent creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reflects a national resolve to reposition the country as a leader in blue economic growth, climate resilience, and ocean sustainability.
Oyetola also described how Nigeria is leveraging its maritime assets through port modernization, improved security, coastal community development, and climate-smart shipping technologies to build a resilient marine economy.
He pledged that if elected, Nigeria would use its voice within the IMO to promote the interests of developing and island nations, and push for a more equitable global maritime regulatory system.
“Nigeria is not asking for support in isolation,” he said. “We are offering a partnership—a vision for a more inclusive and climate-conscious IMO where smaller and vulnerable nations are not sidelined but actively represented.”
The Minister’s engagements in Nice mark a significant step in Nigeria’s IMO campaign, positioning the country as a credible voice and advocate for the Global South ahead of the highly anticipated elections later this year.