Nigeria Eyes IMO Security Council Seat by December 2025

This was disclosed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.

He said that Nigeria has officially notified IMO of its intention to contest for a Category C seat during the 34th IMO Assembly in London, which will be held in November or December 2025.

He said Nigeria’s case is strengthened by the recent efforts to position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation, with strategic reforms in port modernization, aquaculture expansion, and international trade facilitation.

The Minister confirmed that President Tinubu has approved the bid, adding that preparations are already underway.

“In furtherance of our improved international posture in world maritime governance, we have proposed a bid to contest election into the International Maritime Organization Council (Category C),” he said.

Mr Oyetola disclosed that the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which prioritizes technology and private sector participation, is awaiting Federal Executive Council approval.

He also announced that the modernization and expansion of Tin Can Island and Apapa Port Complexes by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) will soon commence, with a projected 20,000 jobs to be created.

Mr Oyetola highlighted that Nigeria has recorded three straight years without piracy incidents in West African shipping lanes and the Gulf of Guinea, a milestone he attributed to the implementation of the Deep Blue Sea Project and Falcon Eye Surveillance Systems.

“Through the efforts of the Ministry, its agencies, and other stakeholders, shipping lanes that traverse West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea have witnessed zero piracy for a record three years,” he said.

Mr Oyetola also emphasized that fishery and aquaculture are central to Nigeria’s Blue Economy vision.

“Our strategic focus is to upscale fish production in a sustainable manner, tapping into the full spectrum of our marine resources,” he said.

He further revealed that Nigeria achieved 100 per cent compliance in the 2024 Turtle Excluder Devices Re-certification by the US Department of State, a move that facilitates seafood exports to the USA, EU, and other global markets.

The Minister added that to enhance trade efficiency, the government is implementing the National Single Window Project, a digital platform that will centralize trade compliance processes and link ports with relevant agencies and stakeholders.