The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has launched an inter-ministerial committee to spearhead Nigeria’s campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) headquarters in Abuja.
With Nigeria aiming to resecure a place in the IMO Council after previous setbacks, Minister Oyetola emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that encompasses diplomatic and operational efforts. “This campaign must be all-inclusive, employing both diplomatic and strategic approaches to ensure a successful outcome,” he stated, highlighting Nigeria’s ambition to reclaim its position in international maritime decision-making after successful Council terms in 1975, 2001, and 2005, but a hiatus since 2011.
Reinforcing Nigeria’s importance on the global maritime stage, Oyetola noted that “Nigeria’s return to the Council is imperative given our strategic location and influence as a hub of maritime activities and as a voice for West Africa.” He added that Council membership would not only strengthen Nigeria’s political influence in global maritime affairs but also bring technical assistance, manpower, and institutional development to the nation’s maritime sector.
The inter-ministerial committee, led by FMMBE Permanent Secretary Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, comprises high-ranking officials from various maritime and governmental bodies. Key members include the Director of Maritime Security and Safety, FMMBE; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who will serve as an alternate chairperson; and representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.
The committee is charged with developing initiatives that highlight Nigeria’s maritime contributions and achievements, aiming to position the country as a strong candidate for the IMO Council. Former NIMASA Director-General Dr. Ade Dosunmu, and other notable stakeholders, are also part of the team, supported by Dr. Charles Akinola and Assistant Director of Maritime Pollution Control, Mr. Paschal Ogah, as committee secretary.
In a related development, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, presented six IMO instruments, recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to Minister Oyetola. Mobereola acknowledged the Minister’s role in advancing these conventions, which had been pending for several years. “With the Honourable Minister’s facilitation, these six conventions are now formally endorsed and ready to be presented to the IMO,” Mobereola noted.
The committee’s activities will form a core part of Nigeria’s strategy for the upcoming 34th Regular Session of the IMO Council elections in 2025, as the country seeks to reinforce its leadership role in global maritime affairs.