Domestic concerns hobble Nigeria’s shot at IMO Council seat

As Nigeria seeks to secure a Category C spot in the upcoming 2025 IMO Council election, maritime stakeholders have urged the government to tackle systemic challenges in security, regulatory compliance, safety and infrastructure bottlenecks as well as align domestic practices with international maritime standards to ensure the country does not only compete but thrives as a global maritime player, ADAKU ONYENUCHEYA reports.

After 15 years of unsuccessful attempts to represent West and Central Africa at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, Nigeria is again vying for a seat in Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium.

Membership in the Council comes with benefits such as technical assistance, manpower and institutional development as well as enhanced influence in the global maritime sector.

To ensure success, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to lead Nigeria’s campaign for the Council election during the 34th Regular Session in 2025.

Oyetola emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s return to the Council, citing its strategic location, maritime exploit and its role as a regional voice in crucial international decisions on shipping and trade.

The committee comprises representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN).

In addition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed instruments of accession for six IMO conventions after an eight-year delay. This move aims to align Nigeria’s maritime practices with international standards, enhancing safety, security and environmental protection.

Nigeria has consistently struggled to secure the seat after winning the position last in 2009. Prior to that, the country held the seat in 2000 and 2007 but has faced repeated failures in subsequent elections despite its substantial maritime potential and regional leadership.

During his visit to Nigeria, the immediate past Secretary-General of the IMO, Kitack Lim, expressed admiration at the country’s vast maritime resources and stated that Nigeria should not be struggling to secure a seat on the IMO Council.

However, the resources remain largely untapped, limiting Nigeria’s influence within the global maritime community. The IMO Assembly elects 20 countries in the Category C for a two-year term, with a special interest in maritime transport or navigation and the capability to contribute significantly to the Council’s work.

However, Nigeria’s failure to secure the seat in recent years has been attributed to infrastructural deficiencies, inadequate human capital development, political and regulatory shortcomings, limited global engagement, maritime security concerns, insecurity and stiff competition from other nations.

While progress has been made in developing the maritime sector, stakeholders emphasise that the Nigerian government must address key issues to elevate the country’s international maritime standing and improve its chances in future IMO elections.

Tacking infrastructural deficiencies
Nigeria faces significant challenges with outdated and inefficient maritime infrastructure, while congestion, inadequate equipment and logistical inefficiencies plague the country’s ports, undermining its competitiveness in global trade.

Efforts by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to modernise port operations have shown some promise, but progress has been slow. The Federal Government has yet to fully secure the $1.1 billion required for the rehabilitation of key ports, including Tin Can Island, Apapa, Rivers, Delta, Calabar, and Onne.
Similarly, water transportation infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) urgently needing funds to chart navigational channels, remove wrecks and enhance the safety of inland water transport.

The NPA must intensify its modernisation efforts by embracing digital transformation to streamline operations, reduce delays, and improve cargo-handling efficiency.

The Dean of the Faculty at City University, Cambodia and Anti-piracy Security Head at Trident Group America Inc., Prof. Alfred Oniye, said without efficient logistics systems, Nigeria risks failing to position itself as a global maritime leader.
Oniye underscored the importance of maritime infrastructure development, noting that modernising ports, improving navigational aids, and investing in transport logistics are critical to enhancing Nigeria’s chances in future IMO elections.
Strengthening regulatory frameworks

Nigeria has made notable strides in aligning with international maritime conventions, including those governing safety, pollution, and training standards. However, inconsistent enforcement and challenges in domestic implementation remain significant obstacles.

Countries vying for an IMO Council seat must demonstrate robust and consistent compliance with international standards to maintain global trust in their maritime systems.

Despite recent efforts, Nigeria has struggled to domesticate and implement several IMO conventions, which has hindered its credibility on the global stage.
Last week, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed six key maritime conventions, including, the Protocol of 2005 to the 1988 Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms on the Continental Shelf; the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (1995); the Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances Other than Oil (1973, as amended).

Other are the Protocol of 1996 to Amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC 1976); the Protocol to the 1974 Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea (2002) and the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (2009).

While these developments are commendable, industry stakeholders argue that signing conventions is not enough. Oniye highlighted the need for environmental sustainability, stressing that Nigeria’s maritime policies should align with international environmental conventions to reduce the sector’s ecological footprint.

The President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, stressed the importance of acceding to, domesticating, and applying these conventions to align Nigeria’s systems with international standards.

He said, however, the slow pace of domestication through the National Assembly remains a critical concern. Amiwero highlighted that many conventions signed in the past have languished for years without proper implementation, undermining Nigeria’s ability to fully participate in global maritime protocols.

He called for urgent reforms to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime systems comply with international standards, enhancing the country’s reputation as a credible maritime nation.

The Vice Chairman of Business Action Against Corruption (BAAC) Integrity Alliance, Jonathan Nicol, said while Nigeria is making efforts, significant reforms are needed to demonstrate its status as a true maritime nation.

Despite these signing the maritime conventions, Nicol stresses that Nigeria’s path to securing the IMO seat is hindered by systemic challenges and a lack of coherence in key areas such as security, economic policy, and maritime regulation.

While signing conventions and developing infrastructure are vital steps, Nicol warned that Nigeria must demonstrate a unified commitment to resolving its maritime challenges. He warned that failure to address these issues comprehensively will continue to hinder the country’s aspirations for greater recognition in the international maritime community.

Security concerns
Nigeria’s strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, a region afflicted by piracy, remains a key challenge to its bid for an IMO Council seat.
While the country has achieved notable progress in reducing piracy, with no recorded attacks in over two years thanks to initiatives like the NIMASA Deep Blue Project, lingering security concerns persist.

The Niger Delta region still witnesses occasional piracy incidents and kidnappings on inland waterways, highlighting the need for further efforts to align with global safety standards.

The IMO prioritises maritime safety and security, and unresolved security challenges can significantly hinder Nigeria’s chances of gaining support for its bid.

Stakeholders have stressed the importance of continuous investment in advanced technology and strict adherence to safety protocols to enhance the security of Nigeria’s waters.

Oniye emphasised the need for cutting-edge solutions to maintain secure and efficient maritime operations.
Similarly, Nicol highlighted the influx of illegal goods, including hard drugs and firearms, as a pressing issue undermining Nigeria’s maritime credibility.

Nicol argued that these security lapses fuel smuggling networks and diminish the effectiveness of agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service, further complicating Nigeria’s international standing.

According to him, the security of the nation’s waters remains a critical concern for international authorities, believing this will heavily influence Nigeria’s chances in the IMO election.

Maritime diplomacy and global engagement
Despite Nigeria’s membership in various international maritime organisations, its diplomatic outreach has not been as robust as that of more established maritime powers.

Securing a Category C seat on the IMO Council requires sustained and effective lobbying, active participation in IMO committees, and strategic alliances within the African Union and among other member states.

Oniye called for a more coordinated approach to maritime diplomacy. He noted that Nigeria must strengthen its international relationships and showcase strict compliance with global maritime regulations to secure the support of IMO members.

Oniye also stressed the importance of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in the sector. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy emphasised the need for an all-inclusive campaign, combining diplomatic and operational strategies to boost Nigeria’s prospects.

Meanwhile, Nicol underscored that consistent global engagement is vital to enhance Nigeria’s maritime capabilities and position the country as a leading player in the sector.

Instability and governance issues
Political instability, corruption and governance issues within Nigeria’s maritime sector pose significant challenges to its IMO aspirations.

Despite efforts to improve maritime governance, systemic inefficiencies, weak policy implementation, and the high cost of doing business at Nigerian ports continue to deter international support.

Nicol pointed out that the lack of a robust national economic policy creates uncertainty for investors, further undermining Nigeria’s maritime potential. He also highlighted the high costs and inefficiencies at Nigerian ports compared to other nations, which discourage business and investment.

Additionally, Nicol pointed out that unreliable power supply and inadequate infrastructure remain significant barriers to progress.

Rising interest from other countries
Nigeria faces intense competition from other nations vying for the same IMO Council Category C seat. Countries like Singapore, India and Greece boast advanced maritime industries, strong diplomatic ties and established global shipping networks.

In the last election, Nigeria ranked 22nd out of 27 candidates, securing only 100 votes, compared to Thailand’s 107 votes for the 20th position.
Nigeria must differentiate itself by showcasing unique contributions to global maritime governance.

This includes emphasising its regional leadership, its efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, port development and incredible stay and its commitment to developing the maritime sector.

Maritime training and capacity building
The IMO values nations that prioritise the development of a skilled global workforce. Programmes like the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), implemented by NIMASA, have trained cadets and seafarers, equipping them with internationally recognised certifications.

NSML’s partnerships with Greece, India, and the Philippines further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime workforce. Oniye stressed the need for Nigeria to enhance its workforce by investing in world-class maritime education and capacity-building programs aligned with global standards. He said these initiatives will not only address the global seafarer shortage but also boost Nigeria’s maritime standing.

A strong presence in maritime transport is critical for securing an IMO seat. Unfortunately, Nigeria lacks a national carrier involved in global trade, despite handling 70 per cent of Africa’s maritime trade.

Indigenous vessels rarely operate internationally, and regulatory challenges hinder the growth of barge operations and inland waterways transportation. The failure to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF) has further stifled local participation in cargo transport, costing the country an estimated $9 billion yearly in freight payments to foreign operators.

Additionally, over 70 per cent of boats operating on Lagos waterways are deemed unseaworthy, and the absence of effective shipyards forces vessel repairs to neighboring countries.

Nicol expressed concern over frequent vessel capsizing due to substandard equipment and poor regulatory oversight. He stressed the need for a professional and consolidated framework to ensure safety and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Head of Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, noted that Nigeria’s election to the IMO Council would amplify Africa’s voice in global maritime affairs and integrate regional perspectives into international strategies.

He said for Nigeria to, however, achieve this, it must present a compelling and unified case, demonstrating its commitment to overcoming systemic challenges and solidifying its position as a leading maritime nation.

He said African nations like Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt already hold seats in Category C, which means Nigeria must present a compelling and differentiated case to gain the support of IMO members.