L-R: Nigeria’s Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; Germany’s Permanent Representative to IMO, Mr Mark Gebauer and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola when Oyetola addressed delegates at a lunch reception organised by Nigeria at the IMO headquarters in London on Thursday.
By Godwin Obi
Nigeria has intensified its final diplomatic push ahead of next week’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, delivering a compelling appeal to delegates during a well-attended lunch reception at the IMO headquarters in London. The event, which hosted representatives from more than 150 countries, marked a key moment in Nigeria’s last outreach efforts before the crucial vote scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.
L-R: Nigeria’s Alternative Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; Germany’s Permanent Representative to IMO, Mr Mark Gebauer and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola when Oyetola addressed delegates at a lunch reception organised by Nigeria at the IMO headquarters in London on Thursday.
Addressing ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives and maritime policymakers, Oyetola argued that Nigeria is not merely seeking a seat but presenting a record of tangible contributions to global maritime security, environmental stewardship and blue-economy reforms. He said Nigeria’s achievements—particularly in enhancing safety in the Gulf of Guinea—reflect leadership rooted in action, not promises.
The minister emphasized the remarkable transformation of the Gulf of Guinea from a high-risk maritime zone to a region experiencing unprecedented stability, with Nigeria recording zero piracy incidents in its waters over the last four years. He credited regional cooperation and the Deep Blue Project for curbing maritime crime and restoring confidence among seafarers, insurers and international shipping operators.
Oyetola further assured IMO member states that Nigeria’s maritime policies align with the Organisation’s long-term priorities, pointing to ongoing reforms aimed at boosting port efficiency, expanding sustainable ocean industries and strengthening environmental protection. He said Nigeria’s bid for Council membership is aimed at deepening partnerships and upholding shared responsibility in maintaining global maritime order.
L-R: Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Babatunde Bombata; Nigeria’
s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; a delegate and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola during a lunch reception organised by Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London on Thursday.
In his appeal, the minister called on countries to extend Nigeria their “trust, friendship, and votes,” reaffirming the nation’s readiness to contribute constructively to the Council’s work across safety, security, environmental protection and maritime development. He also expressed solidarity with countries recently hit by severe hurricanes and natural disasters, thanked delegates and IMO stakeholders for their support, and concluded with a reminder that “the seas unite us far more than they divide us” as Nigeria enters the decisive final stretch of its campaign.
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