Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to reclaim a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council — a position it last held in 2009 — by presenting its maritime strengths and investment opportunities at a high-level global forum.
At the Maritime and Aviation Symposium held in Singapore on 14 July 2025, Nigeria highlighted its readiness to modernise maritime infrastructure and advance sustainable development in the sector. Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, addressed the international audience, underscoring the country’s commitment to becoming a key player in global maritime governance.
Oyebamiji emphasised the strategic value of Nigeria’s extensive maritime resources, stating that regaining the IMO seat would strengthen the nation’s ability to influence international maritime policies and better represent the interests of the West African sub-region.
“The IMO seat will empower Nigeria to influence the global maritime ecosystem and position the country as a major stakeholder in shaping international maritime policies, especially in the West African sub-region,” he said.
The symposium, themed “Job Creation and Economic Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime and Aviation Sectors,” provided a platform for NIWA to present several initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Describing Nigeria’s coastal waters as an “untapped goldmine,” Oyebamiji highlighted job creation and investment prospects, noting that the country’s strategic location gives it the potential to become a regional hub for trade and commerce. He further noted that the government’s marine and blue economy agenda is designed to enhance Nigeria’s global visibility and attract international investment.
“We have carefully positioned our Marine and Blue Economy sector to attract global attention, and our pursuit of an IMO Council seat is part of our broader strategy to accelerate economic integration and maritime development across Africa,” he stated.
Also in attendance was the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who presented investment opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Keyamo reiterated the government’s commitment to driving economic growth through global partnerships and infrastructure renewal.
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