Overcoming Challenges Ahead of Nigeria in IMO Category ‘C’ Election
OYETOLA
For most maritime nations, being counted as one of the members of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is imperative. It is a confirmation that one is relevant in the scheme of things as far as world maritime trade is concerned. But beyond being a member of the world body which is responsible for different international regulations in respect of operations on sea trade, there are different positions in the body that are to be occupied by different continents. These positions are categorized and zoned to different continents in the organisation. There are qualifications for countries under any continent to contest election into any of the categories. There is always infrastructure audit under what is referred to as Independent Evaluation ( IE) under the STCW Convention 1978 for every member. This is to ensure that each member state meets necessary requirements that will promote shipping and personnel at sea.
The emphasis has always been that those who occupy category A and B positions are strong maritime nations with efficient infrastructures easing trade. There is also Category C position which is usually reserved for African countries who are maritime nations. Nigeria as a member of IMO won election into Category C in 2007. That was during the tenure of former Transport Minister, late Chief Ojo Maduekwe. That was also during the tenure of Dr. Ade Dosunmu as Director General of NIMASA. Since then, about 15 years later, Nigeria’s attempt has failed. The former Minister of Transport, Barr Rotimi Amaechi and his minister of state counterpart, Senator Bukola Saraki made a lot of efforts but Nigeria could not succeed.
Going Forward
Industry experts believe that Nigeria stands a chance to win the IMO Category ‘C’ election with intense lobby. But beyond the lobby, experts argue that the preparation for the election ought to have started long ago. In this regard, experts are of the view that the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Oyetola and the Director General of the apex maritime agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola must understand what led to past failures. Experts point out to some infrastructural decays in the marine and blue economy which all add up to the requirements that member nations look out for to encourage them cast their vote for any member. With reports that Nigeria is behind in meeting the STCW, experts should be fast in making up. In other words, Nigeria must be quick in submitting her IE if she has not done that already since the move to go for election may not have started recently. What is critical is that the IMO check list must be clearly complied with. Incidentally, reports have it that the DG of NIMASA has been meetings with the stakeholders on Nigeria’s preparation for the IMO election. The meeting is crucial so that the trend of failure since 2011 in the election can be reversed. The meeting is an opportunity to give their advice.
Strategies for Victory
In the past elections where Nigeria did not do well, there were reports of poor strategies in preparing for the election. Experts are of the view that beyond the issue of addressing decayed infrastructures, Nigerian officials can be looking at member states within the continent for serious lobby. The concentration of the lobby should be on those who have voting rights and influence within the African continent, outside, among others. There are readily 25 members of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA). There are also friends of Nigeria outside this organisation.
One good thing that has helped the country and which stands out to favour her during the election is the victory recorded in the area of war against piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters and Gulf of Guinea (GoG) over the years. The world acknowledges this, including the Secretary General of IMO when he visited the country about two years ago.
A former Director, Shipping Development, NIMASA, Mr Tony Ogadi, believes that what can earn Nigeria victory at the election is simply to fix internal processes and procedures in line with international requirements. Ogadi said that beyond these, Nigeria must be rated high in “quick turn around of vessels coming to the nation’s ports.
According to Ogadi, “it’s all about fixing our internal processes and procedures with respect to Maritime safety, Maritime security, Marine Environment management, maritime labour obligations as per international regulations conventions and treaties but most importantly quick turn around of vessels in port in line with the IMO Single Window initiative”.
He also advised that the government must lobby the multi national shipping companies operating in Nigeria.
Maritime expert and Head of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Lagos, Dr. Eugene Nweke believes that “Nigeria’s bid for the Category C position of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a strategic move that can bring numerous benefits to the country”.
Nweke said, “If elected, Nigeria will gain increased influence in maritime policy-making, improved maritime safety and security, and economic benefits through increased trade and investment.
Among other benefits of Category C membership, he added “ Nigeria will have a stronger voice in shaping global maritime policies and regulations, which can impact its economic interests and maritime security.
“Improved Maritime Safety and Security: Nigeria will have access to IMO’s expertise and resources to enhance its maritime safety and security, reducing the risk of piracy and other maritime threats.
“Economic Benefits: Category C membership can attract foreign investment, boost trade, and create jobs in the maritime sector, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He argues that it Is absolutely necessary for Nigeria to be elected into the Category C seat of the IMO. According to him, “ Nigeria’s maritime industry is crucial to its economy, and having a say in global maritime policy will ensure its interests are protected and promoted”.
Nweke advised that to win the IMO Category C seat, Nigeria should:
“Strengthen its Maritime Sector: Demonstrate a commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability;
“Build International Relationships: Foster strong diplomatic ties with other IMO member states to secure their support;
“Showcase its Maritime Expertise: Highlight Nigeria’s expertise in maritime areas, such as shipbuilding, ports management, and maritime training;
“Lobby Effectively: Engage in targeted lobbying efforts to persuade IMO member states to vote for Nigeria;
“By taking these steps, Nigeria can increase its chances of securing the Category C seat and reap the benefits of IMO membership”.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had recently expressed Nigeria’s interest to seek election into Category “C” of the (IMO) Council.
Speaking at the 2024 World Maritime Day parallel event in Barcelona, Spain, he pointed out achievements recorded by Nigeria to earn her victory in the election.
Oyetola who already held discussions with the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and other diplomats on Nigeria’s bid, said, “our active participation in upholding key conventions, such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, reflects our dedication to ensuring the safety of international shipping.
“There have been no incidents of piracy in the last three years, as confirmed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). By deploying resources to provide maritime security assets, Nigeria has solidified its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria remains a valuable source of manpower for the industry. I therefore urge our partners to explore this potential and assist where possible in the best interest of all. Our Maritime Academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development”.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, promises that the agency will leave no stone unturned to ensure success in the quest for IMO Category C membership at the election.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Edwards Osagie, the DG said the agency has started working to achieve victory.
He said, “We at NIMASA have met with the IMO technical team and have commenced work on all identified grey areas so that Nigeria can address the gaps identified during the last audit by the IMO.
”We have also commenced the process of effective communication with other member states using the IMO GSIS platform, among others. While we at NIMASA focus on the technical aspects of the preparations, our supervising Ministry will provide the political will to guide Nigeria back to the Council at the IMO.”.
FOLLOW US
About Post Author
