In a strategic push to reinforce its standing in global maritime governance, Nigeria has taken a bold step by participating in the 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), held in Kingston, Jamaica. The high-level delegation was led by Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The delegation, which also included Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Mr. Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security, used the platform to advance Nigeria’s campaign for election into the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
With all 167 member states of the ISA also belonging to the IMO, the event served as a critical opportunity to build diplomatic bridges and secure support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid.
Beyond the core campaign objective, the Nigerian team engaged in a series of strategic sideline discussions focusing on deep-sea mining regulations, environmental protection, sustainable marine resource management, capacity building, and economic planning for the Blue Economy.
These discussions reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to integrating international best practices into its maritime policies, particularly in areas concerning environmental sustainability and responsible ocean resource exploitation.
By actively participating in global fora like the ISA and promoting forward-looking maritime policies, Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in shaping the future of ocean governance and sustainable development in the maritime sector.