Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has expressed Nigeria?s interest to seek election into Category ?C? of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

The Minister, speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, noted that Nigeria has put in place the basic needs to develop the nation?s maritime industry in line with recognized global best practices.

In his words, ?our active participation in upholding key conventions, such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, reflects our dedication to ensuring the safety of international shipping.

There have been no incidents of piracy in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). By deploying resources to provide maritime security assets, Nigeria has solidified its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry. I therefore urge our partners to explore this potential and assist where possible in the best interest of all. Our Maritime Academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development.

?I am pleased to announce Nigeria?s resolve to seek a Category ?C? membership on the Council.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, assured that no stone will be left unturned to ensure success in the quest for IMO Category C membership at the next elections.

According to him, ?We at NIMASA have met with the IMO technical team and have commenced work on all identified grey areas so that Nigeria can address the gaps identified during the last audit by the IMO.?

?We have also commenced the process of effective communication with other member states using the IMO GSIS platform, among others. While we at NIMASA focus on the technical aspects of the preparations, our supervising Ministry will provide the political will to guide Nigeria back to the Council at the IMO,? he stated.

Oyetola, who held engagement sessions with the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and other diplomats, was accompanied on the working tour by the Ministry?s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; and the Director of Maritime Safety and Security Services, Mr. Babatunde Bombata.

This year?s parallel event with the theme: Navigating the Future: Safety First, brought together international maritime leaders and experts to discuss future challenges and opportunities, with the aim of ensuring that safety is prioritized in the day-to-day operations of the global maritime sector.

?PHOTO: R-L; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Secretary General, International Maritime Organisation, IMO, Arsenio Dominguez; Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Government of Spain, Oscar Puente and others during the 2024 World Maritime Day Parallel Event, held in Barcelona, Spain.

Update news