The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has officially deposited three Instruments of Accession to key International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions at the IMO headquarters in London. This milestone follows the endorsement of the instruments by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and represents a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s maritime governance and aligning the nation’s maritime practices with international standards.

“These instruments signify Nigeria’s continued commitment to aligning with international maritime standards, ensuring maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable marine practices,” Oyetola stated. He further stressed the need for collaborative efforts with the IMO to enhance compliance and implementation of these conventions.

The IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, commended Nigeria for its dedication to global maritime standards. “I congratulate Nigeria for its exceptional efforts in acceding to these six critical IMO instruments. We at the IMO remain fully committed to supporting Nigeria through technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives,” he remarked.

The deposited instruments include:
1. The 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (SUA Protocol 2005)
2. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F)
3. The Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances Other Than Oil (Intervention Protocol 1973)

Minister Oyetola also noted that three additional instruments signed by President Tinubu are undergoing further steps to complete their deposit processes.

The move aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading maritime nation and reinforces its dedication to implementing international standards that promote sustainable development in the blue economy sector.