Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday formally deposited three Instruments of Accession to critical International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.
The submission, signed recently by President Bola Tinubu, took place at the IMO headquarters in London, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening maritime governance and aligning with global standards.
The move comes shortly after Nigeria declared its intention to contest for a seat on the IMO Council. It is expected to boost the nation’s maritime governance framework, promote safety and security, and enhance environmental protection efforts in line with international best practices.
Speaking after the presentation ceremony, Oyetola reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to aligning with international maritime standards and requested tailored technical assistance from the IMO to support the country’s compliance and governance efforts.
“These instruments, duly acceded by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, signify Nigeria’s continued commitment to aligning with international maritime standards, ensuring maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable marine practices,” he stated.
The Minister further called for support under the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), emphasizing the importance of technical cooperation in improving Nigeria’s implementation of the conventions.
In response, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez commended Nigeria for its progress, noting that the deposition underscores the country’s steadfast commitment to global maritime standards.
“I congratulate Nigeria for its exceptional efforts in acceding to these six critical IMO instruments. I encourage continued momentum by securing presidential assent to additional key conventions. The IMO remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria through technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives,” Dominguez said.
The three Instruments of Accession deposited include:
- The 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (SUA Protocol 2005).
- The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F).
- The Protocol Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Pollution by Substances Other Than Oil (Intervention Protocol 1973).
Three additional Instruments of Accession signed by President Tinubu are undergoing further steps to finalize their deposition.
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