The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed Nigeria’s intention to seek election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, following a record of zero piracy incidents over the past three years.
Speaking yesterday at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, Oyetola highlighted that Nigeria has implemented the necessary measures to develop its maritime industry in line with recognised global best practices.
Checks showed that Nigeria has failed to secure a seat on the council four times, prompting the Federal Government to suspend its participation in subsequent elections in 2022, pending improvements that would bolster the country’s standing as a maritime nation.
In 2019, Nigeria lost West Africa’s only seat in Category C to Kenya by one vote, with Kenya receiving 111 votes to place 20th, while Nigeria received 110 votes, placing 21st. Saudi Arabia received 106 votes, Poland 101, and Liberia 100.
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya retained their positions as the African nations represented in the 20-member Category C of the IMO.
The last time Nigeria was elected to the council was in 2009, following its initial election in 2000.
Oyetola emphasised Nigeria’s active participation in upholding key conventions, such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, as evidence of the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety of international shipping.
He noted that there have been no piracy incidents in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Oyetola further stated that Nigeria has reinforced its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by deploying resources to enhance maritime security assets.
“Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry. I, therefore, urge our partners to explore this potential and assist where possible in the best interest of all. Our maritime academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development. I am pleased to announce Nigeria’s resolve to seek a Category ‘C’ membership on the Council,” he said.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, assured that every effort will be made to ensure success in Nigeria’s bid for IMO Category C membership in the next elections.
According to him, NIMASA has met with the IMO technical team and has started addressing the identified gaps from the last audit by the IMO.
“We have also initiated effective communication with other member states using the IMO GSIS platform, among others. While NIMASA focuses on the technical aspects of the preparations, our supervising ministry will provide the political will to guide Nigeria back to the Council at the IMO,” he stated.
Oyetola, who held engagement sessions with IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez and other diplomats, was accompanied on the working tour by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola; the Director-General of NIMASA, Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho; the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji; and the Director of Maritime Safety and Security Services, Babatunde Bombata, to discuss future challenges and opportunities, to prioritise safety in the day-to-day operations of the global maritime sector.
