Nigeria’s coastal waters have been described as an “untapped goldmine” with significant job creation and investment opportunities.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its campaign for a category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ahead of elections to be held between November and December, 2025.
According to IMO.org, a category C seat is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the IMO Council ensures the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
On July 14, Nigeria took its campaign to a high-level global maritime and aviation symposium in Singapore, where Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), representing Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasised the West African nation’s readiness to modernise its maritime infrastructure so as to foster a sustainable, secure, and investment-driven industry.
Oyebamiji said the push for the IMO category C seat was aimed at enhancing its ability to contribute meaningfully to global maritime policies, and decision-making processes.
“The IMO seat will empower Nigeria to influence the global maritime ecosystem and position the country as a major stakeholder in shaping international maritime policies, especially in the West African sub-region,” Oyebamiji noted, as shared by NIWA.
He described Nigeria’s coastal waters as an “untapped goldmine” with significant job creation and investment opportunities, noting that the nation is strategically located to become a trade and commerce hub for West Africa.
“We have carefully positioned our Marine and Blue Economy sector to attract global attention, and our pursuit of an IMO Council seat is part of our broader strategy to accelerate economic integration and maritime development across Africa.”
On July 11, Oyetola continued with his door-to-door diplomacy in London, as part of Nigeria’s campaign for election of the IMO council seat.
The Minister met with Giuseppe Spera, Italy’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO, before holding strategic talks with Maximo Mejia Jr., President of the World Maritime University.
“These high-level engagements reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to responsible ocean governance and maritime collaboration,” he said.
The Council is the executive organ of IMO responsible for supervising the work of the Organization.
It comprises 40 members under three categories elected every two years, with the current office bearers having been elected for the 2024/2025 period.
Category (a) comprises 10 states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services: The current office holders are: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).
Category (b) encompasses 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are the current officer holders.
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Turkey are current office bearers of the category C seat, while on July 11, Kenya officially launched its candidature for reelection to the IMO.
The reelection bid is being spearheaded by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), which states that the East African nation stands as a beacon of regional leadership, global partnership, and sustainable maritime development.
“Kenya exemplifies dedication to international maritime cooperation, regional leadership, and the global fight against climate change,” KMA said in a statement.