Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (left) presenting a souvenir to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, during the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to Nigeria, on Thursday.
BY GODWIN OBI
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has applauded Nigeria’s landmark achievements in maritime security and its bold steps toward harnessing the blue economy, describing the country as a shining model for Africa and beyond.
On a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in Abuja, Mr. Domínguez commended Nigeria for recording zero piracy incidents in over three years—a feat largely credited to the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project and the robust collaboration of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy.
He said Nigeria’s heavy investment in maritime safety infrastructure underscores its leadership in ensuring safer seas, not only for its own waters but also across the Gulf of Guinea. “Your efforts speak volumes. Nigeria today represents a standard for regional cooperation in maritime safety,” he noted.
The IMO chief highlighted Nigeria’s latest submissions to the global body on national and regional security initiatives and pledged IMO’s continued support through training, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building. He revealed plans for upcoming regional collaborations, including the Safe Seas Project conference in Ghana and new maritime governance initiatives with the European Union.
Turning to broader issues, Mr. Domínguez urged African nations to brace for the energy transition, adoption of biofuels, and the financing of future-ready infrastructure, praising Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a visionary step in sustainable marine resource management. He particularly lauded the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron for its modern training facilities and called for deeper collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education, and industry players to guide young Nigerians into maritime careers.
In his response, Minister Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to consolidate its security gains and accelerate opportunities in the blue economy. “This visit reinforces the strength of our partnership with the IMO and highlights Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of global maritime development,” he said.
Top stakeholders also made presentations:
- Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG of NIMASA, showcased reforms in maritime security, seafarer welfare, and regulatory frameworks.
- Dr. Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of MAN Oron, emphasized simulator-based training and international cadet exchange.
- Mr. Wang Qiang, MD of Lekki Free Trade Zone, spotlighted Nigeria’s expanding port capacity and long-term foreign investment potential.
Domínguez later met cadets of the Maritime Academy, urging them to seize emerging opportunities in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology. He assured that the IMO would continue working hand-in-hand with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, deepen governance structures, and drive sustainable blue economy growth.
With its current trajectory, he said, Nigeria has become “a global model of maritime excellence.”
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