Oyetola Seeks Island Nations’ Support for Nigeria’s IMO Council Bid
Kathy Kyari
On the sidelines of the recently concluded 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, held a series of high level diplomatic meetings with leaders from several island nations.
The engagements formed part of Nigeria’s campaign to secure a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council later this year.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister met separately with key officials including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, The Honourable James Marape; the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Joyelle Clarke; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia.
Speaking during the engagements, Minister Oyetola emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition to join the IMO Council was rooted in a broader desire to ensure equitable representation for African nations, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime governance.
“Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the IMO Council is not driven by ambition alone but by a desire to ensure greater representation for African nations, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime decision-making,” he said.
The Minister also referenced the establishment of Nigeria’s Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance, blue economy development, and climate resilience.
“This move reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable ocean governance, blue economic growth, and building resilience against climate change,” he explained.
He further outlined Nigeria’s efforts to redefine its relationship through key initiatives such as port modernization, strengthened maritime security, ocean sustainability, and the development of coastal communities.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria’s campaign was not merely about garnering support but about offering meaningful partnership.
“Nigeria is not merely seeking support in isolation but is extending an offer of partnership,” he stated. “We envision an IMO Council that actively protects the interests of the most vulnerable nations.”
He pledged that, if elected, Nigeria would use its voice, vote, and regional influence to champion the concerns of developing nations.
“Nigeria is prepared to push for a more equitable maritime regulatory framework that acknowledges disparities in national capacities, supports accessible climate-smart shipping technologies, and fosters practical cooperation in the development of sustainable blue economies between island nations and African coastal states like Nigeria,” he said.
Oyetola affirmed that Nigeria is ready to serve as a credible voice for developing countries in the international maritime system, committed to building strategic alliances based on shared challenges and mutual interests.
These diplomatic efforts highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to forging alliances with countries that, while geographically distant, share similar vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global maritime community.
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