Oyetola Lobbies Island Countries for Nigeria's IMO Council Election Bid

By Ebenezer William

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has involved leaders from several island countries as he solicits support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council later this year.

While attending the recently-concluded 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, the Minister met separately with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape; the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr Joyelle Clarke, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, to seek their support.

Oyetola said that the meetings underscored Nigeria’s commitment to building alliances with countries that, though geographically distant, share common vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global maritime community.

Oyetola explained that Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the IMO Council was not driven by ambition but also by a desire to ensure greater representation for African nations, developing countries and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime decision-making.

He assured that Nigeria would be a reliable ally advocating stronger global commitments to maritime decarbonisation.

The minister highlighted that Nigeria’s dedication to these principles is underscored by the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.