The Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed Nigeria’s interest in running for elections in Category « C » of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Speaking at the parallel event of World Maritime Day 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, the minister noted that Nigeria has established the fundamental conditions to develop the country’s maritime industry in accordance with globally recognized best practices.
« Our active participation in adhering to key conventions, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, reflects our commitment to ensuring the safety of international maritime transport.
« 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 means, Nigeria has consolidated its role as a key guardian of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria remains a valuable source of labor for the industry. I urge our partners to explore this potential and provide assistance where possible in the best interest of all. Our maritime academy has adequate resources and facilities to support this development. I am pleased to announce Nigeria’s determination to apply for Category ‘C’ membership on the Council, » he stated.
In his speech, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, assured that no effort would be spared to ensure the success of the quest for Category ‘C’ membership at the IMO in the upcoming elections.
“At NIMASA, we have met with the IMO technical team and have begun working on all identified gray areas so that Nigeria can bridge the gaps identified during the last IMO audit. We have also initiated effective communication processes with other member states using the IMO’s GSIS platform, among others. While we at NIMASA focus on the technical aspects of preparations, our supervising ministry will provide the necessary political will to guide Nigeria to the IMO Council,” he stated.
According to a NIMASA statement, the Nigerian minister, who held dialogue sessions with the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, and other diplomats, was accompanied on his working visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Director General of the NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; and the Director of Maritime Security and Safety Services, Mr. Babatunde Bombata.
He added that this year’s parallel event, themed “Navigating into the Future: Safety First,” brought together international maritime leaders and experts to discuss future challenges and opportunities, with the aim of ensuring that safety is a priority in the daily operations of the global maritime sector.
Source: apanews
