Nigeria has stepped up its efforts to secure a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, highlighting its growing strategic role in global maritime governance. At a recent high-profile Maritime and Aviation Symposium in Singapore, Nigeria, represented by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, affirmed its commitment to modernizing maritime infrastructure and tapping into its vast coastal resources—described as an “untapped goldmine” for job creation and investment.
The country’s bid aims to strengthen its influence in shaping international maritime policies, especially within West Africa. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost economic integration and maritime development across Africa by raising global awareness of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sectors.
Nigeria’s diplomatic campaign, led by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, has included extensive diplomacy such as targeted engagements in London and bilateral talks with key maritime nations like Greece, Spain, Oman, and Italy to garner support ahead of the forthcoming IMO Council elections. The nation’s security achievements in the Gulf of Guinea—marked by eliminating piracy incidents for three consecutive years—have been highlighted as a major factor bolstering its candidacy.
With an 853-kilometer coastline and a strategic position as a West African trade hub, Nigeria leverages initiatives like the Deep Blue Project to demonstrate its readiness to contribute at the international maritime level. The campaign enjoys strong backing, including from President Bola Tinubu.
Winning the IMO Council seat would enhance Nigeria’s role in global maritime decision-making, reinforce Africa’s representation on the international shipping stage, and bolster Nigeria’s leadership in maritime security, sustainable development, and trade growth.