Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, 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 role in global maritime governance.
The five-day meeting, which commenced on November 2 and ends November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on critical issues affecting 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 reflects the country’s commitment to contributing to international maritime policymaking and advancing the interests of developing maritime nations.
The meeting is expected to address key issues, including the protection of vital shipping routes, seafarer welfare, institutional governance and the promotion of sustainable shipping.
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,” he said.
A major focus of the session is the protection of vital international shipping routes amid growing security concerns and threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.
Under Agenda Item 11, which addresses 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 advocate 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 added.
Seafarer welfare is another major issue on the Council’s agenda, following IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s condemnation of the use of seafarers as pawns in geopolitical disputes.
Nigeria is supporting measures to prevent the 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, irrespective of geopolitical tensions 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 an opportunity to advocate increased technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime countries.
Oyetola said Nigeria would continue to promote international partnerships capable of translating IMO 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,” he said.
The minister is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Director of Maritime Services, Mr Oyinloye Adeola Meshack; and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
—-Dr Bolaji Akinola
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
