The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has intensified Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to secure a seat on Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, launching a strategic round of bilateral engagements with member states at the IMO Headquarters in London.

Oyetola flagged off the campaign at the start of the 134th Session of the IMO Council. Since then, he has held a series of high-level meetings with representatives of key maritime nations in what observers describe as a rigorous “door-to-door diplomacy” drive to rally support ahead of the Council elections.

“Nigeria is not just seeking a seat—we are bringing partnership, commitment, and leadership to the table,” Oyetola told delegates on the sidelines of the Council session.

“We offer a solid track record in maritime security, a coastline rich with opportunity, and a national strategy anchored in collaboration and sustainability.”

According to the ministry, countries engaged so far in the outreach include Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, among others.

The Minister also conveyed goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s determination and high-level commitment to the bid.

At the core of Nigeria’s campaign is its significant progress in maritime security. For three consecutive years, the country has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters—a result of the deployment of the Deep Blue maritime security infrastructure and enhanced regional collaboration.

“Security is the foundation of maritime prosperity,” Oyetola said. “Nigeria’s success underscores the impact of bold, coordinated action.”

He noted that beyond security, Nigeria is positioning itself as a future-forward maritime nation, with investment potential in shipbuilding, port modernisation, green shipping corridors, and intra-African maritime trade.

“We are ready to partner with IMO member states to strengthen the foundations of global maritime growth,” the Minister stated. “Our vision is to build lasting bridges of cooperation that transcend election cycles and deliver long-term value.”

Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser, Media and Communications in the Office of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy in a statement on Thursday said The Minister’s engagements in London follow earlier diplomatic efforts at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he held strategic meetings with leaders of island states to drum up support.

Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or whose inclusion ensures balanced regional representation. Nigeria’s election would reinforce Africa’s voice in global maritime governance and position the country to shape international shipping policy from a stronger footing.

“We are fully aligned with the IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility,” Oyetola said. “A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative, and resilient maritime future.”