Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting safe, secure and sustainable international shipping at the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London.
Oyetola, who is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the five-day meeting holding from November 2 to 6, 2026, said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with other maritime nations to address challenges confronting the global shipping industry and strengthen international maritime governance.
In a press release issued on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister said Nigeria’s participation in the Council meeting, under its Category C membership, provides an opportunity to advance the country’s maritime interests and contribute to international policy decisions affecting the industry.
He noted that the meeting is considering critical issues, including the protection of vital shipping lanes, seafarer welfare, institutional governance and the sustainability of the global maritime industry.
Oyetola said the challenges confronting international shipping required collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks.
“Nigeria recognises that the challenges confronting the global maritime industry require collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks. We are at the IMO Council to ensure that Nigeria’s interests are represented while contributing meaningfully to solutions that will strengthen maritime security, protect seafarers and promote sustainable shipping,” he said.
On maritime security, the Minister said Nigeria would leverage its experience in combating piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea to support stronger international cooperation and coordinated responses to threats against commercial vessels and vital shipping routes.
He said the country’s experience had demonstrated the importance of political commitment, effective coordination and collaboration among coastal states and international partners in addressing maritime insecurity.
“Our experience in the Gulf of Guinea has shown that maritime insecurity can be addressed through political commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among regional and international partners. Nigeria will continue to support initiatives that safeguard shipping routes and protect seafarers and maritime assets,” Oyetola said.
The Minister also expressed Nigeria’s support for stronger international measures to protect seafarers against arbitrary detention and abandonment, while promoting fair treatment, safe repatriation and mental well-being.
He emphasised that seafarers remained indispensable to international trade and deserved protection irrespective of geopolitical tensions affecting the waters in which they operate.
“Seafarers are the lifeblood of international shipping. Their safety, dignity and welfare must never be compromised by geopolitical tensions. Nigeria supports stronger international measures to protect maritime workers and ensure that their rights are respected,” he said.
The Council is also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029, with Nigeria seeking greater technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime nations.
According to Oyetola, international partnerships are essential to ensuring that developing maritime economies have access to the technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities needed to participate effectively in the evolving global shipping industry.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy through international cooperation and strategic partnerships.
The Minister is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director of Maritime Services, Mr Oyinloye Adeola Meshack; and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
