The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has announced that it has received a letter of support from the Swiss government for Nigeria’s bid for the Category ‘C’ seat of the International Maritime Organisation for the 2026/2027 Biennium elections.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received the letter of endorsement last week during a courtesy visit from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff.

“This marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s campaign,” Oyetola said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Federal Government to upholding international standards. Nigeria’s election will contribute to a more robust and sustainable global maritime industry.”

Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s vast maritime potential, noting that the country has 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone, which has been extended by another 16,300 kilometers to the Continental Shelf. “With such endowment, Nigeria, by any standard, is supposed to be a maritime nation,” he said.

The minister explained that the ministry, in collaboration with the World Bank, AU IBAR, Kingdom of Norway, and other stakeholders, has developed a robust National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy that could face the test of time.

He also noted that the Federal Government is adopting a public-private partnership business model to bring about rapid development in the maritime sector, with the government holding a token equity.

Oyetola identified investments in the nation’s inland waterways, such as the supply of boats, dredging activities, and navigation, as key areas of focus. “The Deep Blue project, which is a surveillance structure, has assisted us in keeping our waters very safe,” he said. “There’s been no piracy for the past three years, and we’re trying to sustain that. We try again to ensure that we extend the safety to even the Gulf of Guinea as part of our collaboration with other countries.”

The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, stated that their visit was prompted by an earlier correspondence from Oyetola in April this year, asking for support in Nigeria’s bid to clinch the Category ‘C’ seat on the IMO.

“I am very glad to convey this letter of support; Switzerland is very happy to support you; you are a very strong candidate,” Egloff said. “We support your candidacy, your commitment to multilateralism overall, and in particular, in this field. You’re a very important country.”

With Switzerland’s endorsement, Nigeria’s campaign for the IMO Category ‘C’ Council seat gains further international momentum ahead of the elections slated for October/November 2025. Oyetola expressed happiness for the show of support from the Swiss Government, saying it is a testament to the Federal Government’s hard work and dedication to upholding international standards.