Nigeria Seeks France’s Support for IMO Council Membership

As Nigeria intensifies its campaign for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola has called on France to support the country’s bid for Category C membership.

Oyetola received the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, in Abuja and emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s inclusion in the IMO Council.

Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in West and Central Africa’s maritime sector and its contributions to ocean governance and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that Nigeria’s inclusion in the IMO Council will reinforce the country’s efforts in maritime safety, regional security, and sustainable ocean governance.

The Minister also discussed the recent approval of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources.

The policy aligns with global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on conserving and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources.

Oyetola noted that Nigeria has transformed the Gulf of Guinea from a piracy hotspot into a safe corridor for international shipping.

This achievement supports global maritime trade and demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to ocean governance and security.

Fonbaustier commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to delegate Oyetola to lead Nigeria’s team to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and welcomed the nation’s proactive role in global maritime discussions. He expressed France’s willingness to work closely with Nigeria at UNOC3 and beyond, particularly in marine sustainability and security.