In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime influence, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to drive the country’s campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
Why Nigeria Needs to Rejoin the IMO Council
Nigeria has lost its bid for the IMO Council seat three times since 2011, despite being a successful member from 1975 to 2005.
Oyetola emphasized that Nigeria’s strategic location and significance as a hub of maritime activities make it imperative for the country to reclaim its position on the Council .
Benefits of IMO Council Membership
Membership in the Council comes with numerous benefits, including technical assistance, manpower and institutional development, as well as political influence in the maritime sector of the global economy.
Inter-Ministerial Committee Members
The committee, led by Permanent Secretary of the FMMBE, Olufemi Oloruntola, comprises high-ranking officials from various government agencies, including:
• Director of Maritime Security and Safety, FMMBE
• Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
• Directors of Legal Services and Maritime Services, FMMBE
• Director of International Organisations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
• Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC)
• Managing Director, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority
• Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron .
IMO Instruments Presented
In a related development, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, presented six IMO instruments assented to by President Bola Tinubu to Minister Oyetola .
These instruments, pending for 6-8 years, aim to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework and demonstrate its commitment to international maritime standards .
