Oyetola Rallies French Support for Nigeria’s IMO Council Bid During Diplomatic Visit
Kathy Kyari
In a significant push for Nigeria’s maritime diplomacy, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday welcomed the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier, to his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Media and Communications Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the meeting is timely as Nigeria intensifies efforts to secure a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, a top priority for the Ministry.
Accompanied by Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy, Ambassador Fonbaustier’s visit served dual purposes: to strengthen bilateral ties and to discuss Nigeria’s upcoming participation in key global ocean events, including World Oceans Day and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled for June 8–13, 2025 in Nice, France. Minister Oyetola will be leading Nigeria’s delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During their discussion, Oyetola didn’t mince words in appealing for France’s support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, stressing the country's maritime leadership role in the West and Central African region.
"Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance,” he stated.
He went on to explain that Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council would further solidify its commitment to global maritime regulations and sustainable ocean practices, especially at a time when international cooperation is vital.
The Minister also updated the French delegation on the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. According to him, the policy will serve as a strategic guide for sustainable marine resource development, economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
“The policy aligns with the global ocean agenda and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” Oyetola added.
Security achievements were also a focal point of the meeting. Oyetola spotlighted Nigeria’s progress in securing the Gulf of Guinea, thanks to initiatives like the Deep Blue Project and better coordination among maritime agencies.
"Through coordinated initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, Nigeria has eliminated piracy incidents, transforming the Gulf of Guinea into a more secure maritime corridor for international shipping and trade,” he said.
Both parties discussed Nigeria’s participation in UNOC3, themed “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” Co-chaired by France and Costa Rica, the conference aims to secure concrete commitments and science-based solutions for sustainable ocean management.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the conference’s goals and acknowledged President Tinubu’s backing.
“Nigeria is ready to contribute meaningfully to the conference,” the Minister said, “and we remain committed to global cooperation in advancing ocean health, maritime security, and blue economy innovation.”
Ambassador Fonbaustier, in response, commended President Tinubu’s decision to send Oyetola as Nigeria’s representative and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s engagement at the conference.
"France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to furthering bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development,” the Ambassador said.
The meeting not only spotlighted Nigeria’s campaign for the IMO Council but also reflected a shared commitment between the two nations to champion marine sustainability and strengthen ocean governance on a global scale.
0 Comments