The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasized the need for a unified and strategic approach as Nigeria seeks election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. To bolster this effort, Oyetola inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee aimed at driving the country’s campaign.
During the inauguration event held at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) boardroom in Abuja on Tuesday, Oyetola highlighted the importance of a comprehensive campaign strategy that integrates both diplomatic and operational measures.
He stressed that Nigeria’s bid requires collective efforts to secure the necessary votes for a successful election outcome.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past attempts to join the IMO Council—having missed out in 2011, 2015, and 2019 despite previous successes in 1975, 2001, and 2005—Oyetola expressed confidence that it is time for Nigeria to reclaim its position. He argued that Nigeria’s re-election to the Council would solidify its status as a key maritime hub in West Africa, ensuring the nation’s voice is influential in shaping international maritime policies.
“Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is crucial,” Oyetola stated. “Our strategic location and prominence in maritime activities make us a significant voice for the sub-region. Being on the Council will enhance our ability to influence critical decisions on international maritime shipping and trade.”
Oyetola further outlined the benefits of Council membership, including access to technical assistance, capacity building, and increased political influence in the global maritime sector.
The newly established committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the FMMBE, Olufemi Oloruntola, comprises high-ranking officials from various government agencies. The committee’s primary objective is to identify initiatives that will enhance Nigeria’s standing within the IMO community by promoting the country’s maritime accomplishments.
Key members of the committee include the Director of Maritime Security and Safety, FMMBE, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), serving as an alternate chairperson, Directors of Legal Services and Maritime Services from the FMMBEDirector of International Organisations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.
Additional stakeholders to serve on the committee include Dr. Ade Dosunmu, a former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Charles Akinola from the Minister’s office, and Mr. Paschal Ogah, who will serve as the Committee Secretary.
In a related development, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, officially presented six IMO conventions recently approved by President Bola Tinubu to Minister Oyetola. These conventions, which had been pending for six to eight years, are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework and demonstrate the country’s commitment to international maritime standards.
Mobereola commended the Minister for his role in fast-tracking the signing of these conventions, noting, “With the Honourable Minister’s efforts, these long-awaited conventions have been endorsed and will soon be presented to the IMO.”
The inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee marks a significant step in Nigeria’s strategic push to regain its seat on the IMO Council, ensuring that the nation’s maritime interests are effectively represented on the global stage.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.