Nigeria has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, highlighting its four-year zero-piracy record and ongoing blue-economy reforms as key credentials ahead of next week’s election.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made a direct appeal to over 150 delegations during a high-level diplomatic lunch at the IMO headquarters in London, presenting Nigeria’s maritime achievements as central to its Category C candidacy.

“Nigeria is not just a contender but a country whose actions in maritime security, environmental responsibility, and blue-economy reforms have directly advanced global seaborne trade,” Oyetola said, stressing that the nation’s candidature is based on tangible achievements rather than promises.

Transforming the Gulf of Guinea

Once a piracy hotspot, the Gulf of Guinea has undergone a dramatic transformation, with Nigeria recording zero piracy incidents over the past four years, according to International Maritime Bureau data. Oyetola credited this success to regional cooperation and the Deep Blue Project, which he described as pivotal in curbing maritime crime, protecting international shipping, and boosting confidence among seafarers, insurers, and investors.

Maritime analysts note that Nigeria’s improved security profile has led to lower insurance premiums, increased investor confidence, and growing shipping traffic—benefits the country aims to expand with an IMO Council seat.

Aligning Policies with IMO Priorities

Oyetola assured delegates that Nigeria’s policies align with the IMO’s long-term priorities, particularly in port efficiency, sustainable ocean industries, and environmental safeguards.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s bid “seeks to strengthen partnerships rather than prestige” and called on member states to extend their “trust, friendship, and votes” to the country. “The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” he told delegates, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and maritime development globally.

Solidarity and Global Maritime Cooperation

During the address, the minister also expressed solidarity with nations recently affected by hurricanes and natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines, highlighting that global maritime cooperation must be rooted in compassion and unity.

With broad goodwill reportedly building around Nigeria’s campaign, expectations are rising ahead of the IMO Council election on Friday, 28 November, where the country hopes to return and strengthen its influence in international maritime governance.