By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, reaffirming the country’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.
The five-day meeting, which began on November 2 and ends November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on maritime security, seafarer welfare, institutional governance and the future of global shipping.
Nigeria is participating under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council, providing an opportunity to strengthen its voice in global maritime governance and advance the interests of developing maritime nations.
Speaking at the meeting, Oyetola said Nigeria was committed to working with other maritime nations to address challenges confronting the global shipping industry through stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks.
He said the country would ensure that its interests were adequately represented while contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security, protecting seafarers and promoting sustainable shipping.
A major issue on the Council’s agenda is the protection of vital international shipping routes amid growing security 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 support stronger international cooperation and coordinated security responses.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s progress in improving maritime security demonstrated the importance of political commitment and collaboration among coastal states, international organizations and maritime stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the country’s support for initiatives to safeguard shipping routes and protect seafarers and maritime assets.
The meeting is also addressing seafarer welfare, particularly concerns over arbitrary detention and abandonment of maritime workers amid geopolitical tensions.
Nigeria is backing measures to ensure the fair treatment of seafarers, their safe repatriation and protection of their mental well-being.
The minister stressed that seafarers remained indispensable to global trade and deserved protection, irrespective of geopolitical developments in the waters where they operate.
The Council is further reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029, offering Nigeria an opportunity to advocate increased technical cooperation and capacity-building support for developing maritime countries.
Oyetola said Nigeria would continue to pursue international partnerships that would translate IMO policies into practical benefits for developing maritime economies.
He added that access to technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities was essential to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy.
The minister is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, 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 at the IMO, Mr William Bwala.
