The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a comprehensive campaign to secure Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council.

This was announced in a statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola.

Oyetola formally flagged off Nigeria’s campaign at the IMO Headquarters in London on June 18, 2025, and has since engaged in an intensive round of high-level bilateral meetings with representatives of key maritime nations. This diplomatic offensive, described as “door-to-door diplomacy,” is aimed at building strategic alliances ahead of the upcoming IMO Council elections.

Speaking to delegates on the sidelines of the 134th Session of the IMO Council in London, the minister emphasised Nigeria’s value proposition:

“Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability,” Oyetola stated.

Among the nations Nigeria has reached out to are Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, with more diplomatic engagements underway. The minister also delivered messages of goodwill from President Bola Tinubu, underscoring the seriousness and national consensus backing the campaign.

A key highlight of Nigeria’s pitch is its success in tackling maritime insecurity. Oyetola noted that “security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity. Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action.”

Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years, a feat credited to the deployment of the Deep Blue security architecture and improved regional cooperation within the Gulf of Guinea.

Looking beyond the elections, Oyetola stressed Nigeria’s readiness to build meaningful partnerships in maritime investment, innovation, and intra-African trade.

“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations.”

This campaign builds on earlier efforts, including high-level engagements at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where Oyetola met with leaders of various island nations to galvanize support for Nigeria’s IMO aspirations.

Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport and ensures geographic diversity in global maritime decision-making. Nigeria’s election into this category would significantly amplify Africa’s voice in shaping international maritime policies.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness and commitment, Oyetola concluded, “We are committed to upholding IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative, and resilient global maritime future.”