Arsenio Dominguez’s visit to the West African nation will come in the middle of Nigeria’s intensified campaign for a category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), ahead of elections to be held between November and December, 2025.
by Blue Africa News
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, is scheduled for a three-day working visit to Nigeria from October 2 to 4, 2025, his second trip to Africa since assuming office in January 2024. He was in Kenya in February, 2025.
According to Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the IMO Secretary-General will tour Nigerian Navy installations as well as NIMASA facilities in Lagos.
Mobereola has said he believes the trip by the IMO chief will underscore the significance of Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing maritime security and promoting international maritime cooperation.
During the visit, Dominguez is expected to engage with senior government officials, maritime regulators and industry stakeholders, with discussions revolving around maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea, port development, and Nigeria’s role in advancing IMO’s global maritime agenda.
The Panamanian’s visit to the West African nation will come in the middle of the Federal government of Nigeria’s intensified campaign for a category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation, ahead of elections to be held between November and December, 2025.
Francis Bunu, President, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) is among stakeholders pushing for the country’s election to the position, lauding NIMASA for its transformative role in maritime security and governance, not only in Nigeria but in West Africa and Africa at large.
In June, Bunu commended NIMASA for playing a key role in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, significantly improving safety and stability on Nigerian waters.
“We now have peace in our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” he noted.
“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa.”
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.
Similarly, the Council is the executive organ of IMO responsible for supervising the work of the Organization, comprising 40 members under three categories elected every two years, with the current office bearers having been elected for the 2024/2025 period.
Kenya and Nigeria are among countries angling for the IMO category C seat.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News