How Nigeria Can Win IMO Category ‘C’ Seat Election, by Maritime Experts
R-L: Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative (APR) to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Barr. Hassan Abubakar; Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Olaleken Badmus; Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez; Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Nigeria’s APR-IMO, William Bwala; Director of Marine Environment Management at NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; and Deputy APR-IMO, Olufemi Adetimirin, during a meeting at the IMO headquarters in London.
As Nigeria prepares for the Category ‘C’ seat election in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, maritime experts have advised on strategies to be adopted for the country to be victorious in the election.
Former Director, Shipping Development, Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Anthony Ogadi, who expressed optimism of Nigeria becoming victorious said the country has to do some work.
Ogadi advised, “ 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”.
Ogadi also called for intense lobby by the country, adding, “the lobby is with the multi national Shipping companies operating in Nigeria”.
Similarly, another maritime expert, Dr. Eugene Nweke was of the view that the government should strengthen its maritime sector by demonstrating a commitment to maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
Nweke added, “build International Relationships, foster strong diplomatic ties with other IMO member states to secure their support,
“Showcase Nigeria’s 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”.
Meanwhile the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday called for a comprehensive action in Nigeria’s bid to be elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
This was as he inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to promote the campaign for the election.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Boardroom of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) in Abuja, Oyetola said the campaign must be all-inclusive, taking into consideration diplomatic and operational strategies in soliciting votes to yield good dividend, according to a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edwards.
He explained that, having lost out three times between 2011 and 2019 after its successful stints in 1975, 2001, and 2005, Nigeria is due to return to the Council to cement its relevance as a strategic Maritime domain and a strong voice in West Africa.
“The need for Nigeria’s return to Council is imperative given our strategic location and significance as a hub of Maritime activities and as a voice for the sub-region on the IMO Council, where crucial decisions regarding international maritime shipping and trade are made,” Mobereola said.
He added that membership in the Council comes with such benefits as “technical assistance, manpower and institutional development, as well as political influence in the maritime sector of the global economy.”
The inter-ministerial committee for Nigeria’s election to the IMO Executive Council at the 34th Regular Session in 2025 comprises high-level officials led by the Permanent Secretary of the FMMBE, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola. The committee is tasked with identifying activities and actions that will promote Nigeria’s standing in the IMO community by articulating and showcasing the country’s maritime achievements.
Members of the committee include the Director of Maritime Security and Safety from the FMMBE and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who will serve as alternate chairpersons.
Other members are; the Directors of Legal Services and Maritime Services from the FMMBE, the Director of 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.
Others include the former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu (stakeholder); the representative of the Office of the Honourable Minister of the FMMBE, Dr. Charles Akinola; and the Assistant Director, Maritime Pollution Control at the FMMBE, Mr. Paschal Ogah, who will serve as Secretary to the Committee.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has officially presented the six IMO instruments assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
He appreciated the Minister for facilitating the signing of the IMO Conventions, noting that, ‘these six conventions have been pending within the Ministry and government for the last 6 to 8 years. With the efforts of the Honourable Minister, they have now been assented to by Mr. President and will be delivered and showcased with the IMO.’
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