L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala, at the 138th session of the IMO Council in London, on Wednesday
138th IMO Section: Oyetola restates Nigeria’s commitment to safe global shipping
London, Nov. 5, 2026 (NAN) Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping at the 138th IMO Council session in London.
The five-day meeting, which began on Nov. 2 and will ends on Nov. 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on shipping, maritime security and the industry’s future.
The Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos saying that Nigeria seeks to strengthen its influence in global maritime governance.
Oyetola said that Nigeria’s participation, under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council, underscores the country’s commitment to contributing to international maritime policy and developing nations’ interests.
The minister said that his presence at the meeting was particularly significant as the Council considers measures to protect vital shipping lanes, improve seafarer welfare, strengthen governance and promote sustainable maritime industry.
“Nigeria recognises that challenges confronting the global maritime industry require collective action, stronger cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks,” Oyetola said, adding that Nigeria would contribute meaningfully to solutions.
Oyetola said that a major focus of the session is the protection of vital international shipping routes, particularly amid growing security concerns and threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.
He said that with deliberations under Agenda Item 11 addressing protection of vital shipping lanes, Nigeria would draw on its experience in combating piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
“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,” Oyetola said.
The Minister said that Nigeria would continue to support initiatives that safeguard shipping routes and protect seafarers and maritime assets, while also backing measures against arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers.
He said that seafarers remained indispensable to global trade and deserved adequate protection, regardless of geopolitical circumstances affecting the waters in which they operate, stressing their fair treatment and safe repatriation.
“Seafarers are the lifeblood of international shipping. Their safety, dignity and welfare must never be compromised by geopolitical tensions,” He said.
The Minister also urged for stronger international measures to protect maritime workers.
Oyetola said that the council was also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026-2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028-2029, providing Nigeria opportunity to advocate greater technical cooperation for developing countries.
He said that Nigeria would continue to advocate international partnerships capable of translating IMO policies into practical benefits for developing maritime economies, while building a competitive and sustainable blue economy.
“Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy. Developing nations must have access to technical expertise, support and investment to participate meaningfully in global shipping,” Oyetola
L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr William Bwala, at the 138th session of the IMO Council in London, on Wednesday
