Nigeria has formally expressed its interest in seeking election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, citing its commitment to upholding key conventions such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, highlighting Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring the safety of international shipping.
He noted that the country has not recorded any piracy incidents in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Nigeria’s Maritime Strengths:
• Maritime Security: Nigeria has solidified its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by deploying resources to provide maritime security assets.
• Manpower: Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry, with its Maritime Academy having adequate resources and facilities to support development.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), assured that all efforts will be made to ensure success in the quest for IMO Category C membership.
He revealed that NIMASA has met with the IMO technical team to address identified gaps and commenced effective communication with other member states.
The Minister’s announcement was made during a working tour accompanied by top officials, including the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, and the Managing Directors of Nigerian Ports Authority and NIWA.
The 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event focused on “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” bringing together international maritime leaders to prioritize safety in global maritime operations.
