2 weeks Ago By Oluyemi Ogunseyin
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a concerted effort to secure Nigeria’s re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. Oyetola inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Tuesday to promote the campaign. Nigeria, which previously served on the Council in 1975, 2001, and 2005, hopes to reclaim its seat in the 2025 elections.
The minister, speaking at the inauguration held at the Boardroom of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) in Abuja on Tuesday, stated that after losing out three times between 2011 and 2019 following successful stints in 1975, 2001, and 2005, Nigeria is set to return to the Council to cement its relevance as a strategic maritime domain and a strong voice in West Africa. Oyetola noted that the campaign must be all-inclusive, taking into consideration diplomatic and operational strategies in soliciting votes to yield good dividends. “The need for Nigeria’s return to the Council is imperative given our strategic location and significance as a hub of maritime activities and as a voice for the sub-region on the IMO Council, where crucial decisions regarding international maritime shipping and trade are made,” Oyetola said.
He also stated that membership in the Council provides “technical assistance, manpower, and institutional development, as well as political influence in the maritime sector of the global economy.” The newly formed Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, will play a pivotal role in promoting Nigeria’s candidacy. The committee is tasked with identifying activities and actions that will promote Nigeria’s standing in the IMO community by articulating and showcasing the country’s maritime achievements.
The committee will be chaired alternately by the FMMBE’s Director of Maritime Security and Safety and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Other members include the FMMBE’s Directors of Legal and Maritime Services, the Director of International Organisations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron..
