Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, as the country seeks to strengthen its influence in global maritime governance.
The five-day meeting, which commenced on November 2 and runs until November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on critical issues shaping international shipping, maritime security and the future of the global maritime industry.
Nigeria’s participation, under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council, underscores the country’s commitment to contributing to international maritime policy and advancing the interests of developing maritime nations.
Oyetola’s presence at the meeting is particularly significant as the Council considers measures to protect vital shipping lanes, improve seafarer welfare, strengthen institutional governance and promote a sustainable maritime industry.
Speaking on Nigeria’s participation, Oyetola said the country remained committed to working with other maritime nations to promote safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.
“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,” the minister said.
A major focus of the session is the protection of vital international shipping routes, particularly amid growing security concerns and threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.
With deliberations under Agenda Item 11 addressing the protection of vital shipping lanes, Nigeria is expected to draw on its experience in combating piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea to support stronger international cooperation and coordinated security responses.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration among coastal states, international organisations and maritime stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
Seafarer welfare is another major issue featuring prominently at the meeting, following IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s condemnation of the use of seafarers as pawns in geopolitical disputes.
Nigeria is backing measures aimed at preventing arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers, while promoting their fair treatment, safe repatriation and mental well-being.
The minister stressed that seafarers remained indispensable to global trade and deserved adequate protection, regardless of the geopolitical circumstances 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,” Oyetola said.
The Council is also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029, providing Nigeria with an opportunity to advocate greater technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime countries.
Oyetola said Nigeria would continue to advocate international partnerships capable of translating the IMO’s policies into practical benefits for developing maritime economies.
“Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy. We believe that developing maritime nations must have access to the technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the evolving global shipping industry,” the Minister said.
The Minister is accompanied to the IMO Council meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director Maritime Services, Mr. Oyinloye Adeola Meshack and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
