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Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday, urged France to support Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Oyetola made the appeal during a meeting with the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, at his office in Abuja. The visit, which also involved discussions on ocean sustainability and global maritime partnerships, comes as Nigeria intensifies its campaign for a seat on the IMO Council.
“Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance,” Oyetola said.
“Our membership in the IMO Council would reinforce our contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability,” he added.
He highlighted recent efforts by Nigeria to improve maritime safety and drive sustainable development through the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
According to the minister, the policy provides a comprehensive framework to guide the use of Nigeria’s marine resources, stimulate economic growth, and promote environmental protection.
“The policy aligns with the global ocean agenda and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources,” he said.
Oyetola also pointed to Nigeria’s progress in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through coordinated initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, Nigeria has eliminated piracy incidents, transforming the Gulf of Guinea into a more secure maritime corridor for international shipping and trade,” he stated.
The meeting also focused on Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled for June 8–13, 2025, in Nice, France. Oyetola will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the event on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He assured the French delegation of Nigeria’s readiness to play an active role at the conference.
“Nigeria is committed to global cooperation in advancing ocean health, maritime security, and blue economy innovation,” the minister said.
In response, Fonbaustier commended President Tinubu’s decision to participate in UNOC3 through the leadership of Oyetola.
“France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to furthering bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development,” the ambassador said.
The French envoy was accompanied by Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria.