Victor EzejaMinister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed Nigeria’s interest to seek election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, the Minister emphasised that Nigeria has developed the its maritime industry in accordance with international best practices.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the Nigeria has participated actively in upholding key conventions, which include the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, reflecting its dedication “to ensuring the safety of international shipping.”
The minister revealed that Nigeria has recorded no incident of piracy in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
He said that by deploying resources to provide maritime security assets, Nigeria has solidified its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Prime Business Africa reports that the last time Nigeria was elected into the Category C of the IMO Council was in 2009. It was first elected into the council in 2000.
During 2019 IMO Council election, Nigeria lost West Africa’s only seat in Category C to Kenya.
IMO has 40-member Council spread across three categories- A, B and C. While Categories A and B have 10 members each, that of C consists of 20 members
Oyetola, who asserted that “Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry.” urged partners to explore the potential and assist where possible in the best interest of all.
“Our Maritime Academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development.
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“I am pleased to announce Nigeria’s resolve to seek a Category “C” membership on the Council,” the minister added.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, assured that no stone will be left unturned to ensure success in the quest for IMO Category C membership at the next elections.
“We at NIMASA have met with the IMO technical team and have commenced work on all identified grey areas so that Nigeria can address the gaps identified during the last audit by the IMO,” Mobereola stated.
“We have also commenced the process of effective communication with other member states using the IMO GSIS platform, among others. While we at NIMASA focus on the technical aspects of the preparations, our supervising Ministry will provide the political will to guide Nigeria back to the Council at the IMO.”
Oyetola, who held engagement sessions with the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and other diplomats, was accompanied on the working tour by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the NIMASA Director General; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; and the Director of Maritime Safety and Security Services, Mr. Babatunde Bombata.
This year’s parallel event with the theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First, brought together international maritime leaders and experts to discuss future challenges and opportunities, with the aim of ensuring that safety is prioritized in the day-to-day operations of the global maritime sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
