The federal government has launched an initiative to secure Nigeria’s seat in the Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council with the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee.
This committee will oversee efforts aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s success in the upcoming IMO election, scheduled to take place in November/December 2024.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and emphasized the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s maritime achievements in the lead-up to the election. He urged committee members to effectively articulate these accomplishments to garner the votes necessary for securing the seat in the IMO Council.
In outlining the committee’s responsibilities, Oyetola called for a timeline of activities and measurable progress before the election period. He also highlighted the need for the campaign to include well-defined operational strategies to enhance Nigeria’s chances, alongside efforts to solicit support for the country’s bid.
During the inauguration, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), delivered a presentation and handed over six IMO/International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments.
These instruments, which had been dormant within the ministry and government for the past six to eight years, were signed as part of the performance bond and key performance indicators (KPIs) set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Mobereola expressed his appreciation to the minister for his efforts in signing the conventions.
READ ALSO: FG Launches 5-Years Health and Safety Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028)
The committee’s formation marks a critical step in Nigeria’s push to regain its place on the IMO Council, a position the country held in 1975, 2001, and 2005. After missing out on three consecutive elections between 2011 and 2019, Nigeria is now poised to re-enter the Council in the 2025 elections.
Oyetola stressed the importance of Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council, particularly given the country’s strategic location and role as a maritime hub in West Africa.
He explained that membership in the Council would not only enhance Nigeria’s influence on crucial maritime decisions but also provide access to technical assistance, manpower, and institutional development, boosting the country’s global maritime standing.
The newly established Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, will spearhead the campaign to promote Nigeria’s candidacy.
The committee’s key objective is to identify and implement actions that will raise Nigeria’s profile within the IMO community by effectively highlighting the country’s maritime achievements.
Additionally, the committee will be chaired alternately by the FMMBE’s Director of Maritime Security and Safety and the Director-General of NIMASA.
Other committee members include the FMMBE’s Directors of Legal and Maritime Services, the Director of the International Organisations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.
This all-inclusive campaign, which will integrate both diplomatic and operational strategies, is expected to position Nigeria as a key player in the global maritime sector and secure the country’s place in the IMO Council.
