By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria is pushing for greater international cooperation to tackle maritime insecurity and protect seafarers, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global shipping industry.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call while leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in London.
At the meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Oyetola said developing maritime countries need access to international investment, technical expertise and institutional support to compete in the evolving shipping industry and maximise their blue economy potential.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, the minister said such support would strengthen maritime institutions, improve regulatory capacity and create an enabling environment for investment across the sector.
The discussions come as the IMO Council reviews financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028–2029. Nigeria is seeking to use the meeting to advance technical cooperation and capacity-building opportunities.
Maritime security is also a major issue before the Council, with member states considering measures to protect critical international shipping routes amid growing threats to commercial vessels.
Nigeria is expected to draw on its experience in tackling piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea to advocate stronger international coordination and security responses.
Oyetola said sustained collaboration among coastal states, international organisations and regional partners was necessary to address maritime insecurity.
He also called for stronger international measures to protect seafarers, insisting that their safety, dignity and welfare should not be compromised by geopolitical tensions.
The five-day meeting, which began on November 2 and ends on November 6, 2026, provides Nigeria an opportunity to contribute to international shipping policy discussions, attract development partnerships and advance the interests of developing maritime economies.
