Nigeria  Silent On Category C  Election As Oyetola Billed  To Address IMO

Following the concerns by maritime stakeholders over Nigeria’s serial failures in the category C  council election of the International Maritime Organisation(IMO), Nigeria officials now keep every details of the 2023 election secret.

Committee for the election was set up earlier by the Federal Ministry of Transportation before the transformation to Marine and Blue Economy.  The committee’s activities have been kept away from the public. It is however important to note that no preparation for the election was made. But they may jump into the election ground.

However, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has arrived in London, the United Kingdom where he will lead the country’s delegation to the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly taking place in London from November 27th to December 6th, 2023. 

The Minister’s spokesman, Mr. Ismail Omipidan disclosed via his official X handle that other members of the delegation expected to attend the session are the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Director, Marine Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh.

The IMO has chosen the theme “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” for the 2023 event to reflect the organization’s long history of protecting the environment from the impact of shipping via a robust regulatory framework and emphasizes its ongoing commitment to the important work.

The IMO General Assembly is the highest governing body of all member states in the maritime domain, responsible for approving the work programme and budget, determining financial arrangements, and electing the IMO Council.

Omipidan said “The assembly convenes every two years, and this year’s session provides a platform for Oyetola to deliver Nigeria’s message to the Assembly and actively participate in shaping maritime policies at the global level.” 

According to the IMO, the meeting will be opened by the outgoing President, Mr. Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations. 

The Assembly will be addressed by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Mr. Kitack Lim while the global maritime body will also elect a President, two Vice-Presidents and Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Assembly Committees. 

It is envisaged that three Committees will be established while it will host the IMO Awards Ceremony on the first day of the Assembly November 27th.