• Campaign on three-year zero piracy across 25 African countries
Nigeria has pledged to extend the operational coverage of its deep blue assets beyond its territorial waters to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
This initiative is part of the country’s strategy to gain support and votes from the 25 member states of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for its re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council (Category ‘C’) ahead of the 2026-2027 biennium.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said this at the Fourth Blue Economy Conference in Banjul, The Gambia.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s maritime security efforts have received global recognition, with both the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the IMO commending the country for effectively deploying the Deep Blue Project, which has maintained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for the past three years.
Oyetola, represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the possible extension of the Deep Blue Project’s operations to cover a wider area within the Gulf of Guinea.
He said this decision is driven by the recent disruption in global trade caused by the crisis in the Suez Canal, which has led to a surge in shipping traffic around Africa.
Oyetola also expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration with The Gambia to enhance regional security and economic growth.
He reiterated Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in the region, fostering cooperation and promoting sustainable development through the blue economy.
“Nigeria has formally declared its candidacy for the IMO Council election under Category ‘C’ for the 2026-2027 term. We seek the kind support and vote of MOWCA member states in the forthcoming election at the 34th IMO Assembly Session,” the minister stated.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s representation in the IMO Council would strengthen Africa’s voice in global maritime decision-making, particularly in areas related to the blue economy, maritime safety and security, and environmental sustainability, given the region’s significant trade activities.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing maritime security and advancing the shared economic interests of West and Central African nations through sustainable blue economy initiatives.
