NIGERIA LAUNCHES GLOBAL DIPLOMATIC PUSH TO JOIN IMO COUNCIL

Nigeria intensifies bid for IMO Council seat, spotlighting its blue economy strategy and maritime leadership ambitions on the global stage.

Nigeria Maritime governance Inclusion Blue economy development West africa.
Nigeria bids for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council
Nigeria bids for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council


Nigeria is positioning itself as a maritime force to reckon with as it mounts a strategic bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under Category C, aiming to reshape the narrative around Africa’s role in global maritime governance.

At the recently held Global Maritime and Aviation Symposium in Singapore, Nigerian officials made a strong case for the country’s inclusion in the council, projecting Nigeria as a rising power in blue economy development and a pivotal maritime gateway for West and Central Africa.

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized that Nigeria is not merely seeking representation, but a stronger hand in global policy-making. He noted that the nation’s extensive coastline, abundant aquatic resources, and evolving infrastructure uniquely qualify it to lead maritime transformation in the region.

“Our push for a Category C seat is aimed at empowering Nigeria to actively contribute to the development of international maritime regulations and policies,” Oyebamiji said. “This will further position Nigeria as a strategic maritime hub for West Africa.”

The symposium offered Nigeria a timely platform to showcase its blue economy strategy, including major reforms aimed at revitalizing inland waterways, enhancing port efficiency, and fostering public-private partnerships. According to Oyebamiji, these reforms are part of a broader vision to convert Nigeria’s marine assets into engines of economic growth and employment.

Describing Nigeria’s coastal corridor as an “untapped goldmine,” he outlined key initiatives that link waterway development to job creation, trade facilitation, and sustainable economic advancement.

“We have strategically positioned our marine and blue economy sector to gain international traction,” he noted. “Our campaign for a seat on the IMO Council is part of a broader vision to enhance maritime development and economic integration across Africa.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also addressed the symposium, promoting opportunities within Nigeria’s aviation sector. He highlighted infrastructure modernization, global collaboration, and regulatory reforms as central to driving growth and investor confidence in the sector.

With its twin-pronged campaign to boost maritime and aviation influence, Nigeria is seeking to reposition itself not only as a key African economic player but also as a credible voice in the international transport and trade arena. As the country steps up its IMO Council bid, it’s clear that the continent’s most populous nation is charting a course toward global maritime relevance.

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