Nigeria Seeks Category ‘C’ Membership On Int’l Maritime Organisation

The Federal Government of Nigeria is currently a Category ‘C’ membership on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this disclosure, at the ongoing 2024 World Maritime Day Parallel Event, in Barcelona, Spain, just as he also held talks with fellow counterparts to advance the maritime agenda and the interest of Nigeria to seek a Category “C” IMO Council membership.

The Minister noted that Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy had built its framework and proposed a road map for the new ministry to conform with IMO’s implementation code.

This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by Muhammad Tahir Zakari, the Head, Press & PR in the Ministry, saying that the Minister also informed his counterparts that Nigeria, as a maritime nation, was committed to the principles and goals of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

“Our active participation in upholding key conventions, such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, reflects our dedication to ensuring the safety of international shipping,’’ he stated.

He noted that Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the crucial shipping lanes that traverse West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea alongside the country’s bold and consistent steps to secure the Gulf of Guinea waters through deliberate initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, amongst others was a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to IMO’s principles and goals buttressing reasons to why Nigeria should be considered.

He noted Nigeria’s adherence to IMO’s instruments and key conventions as criteria to be considered in the comity of maritime nations Council.

‘‘Nigeria’s commitment extends beyond safety and security. We are fully in tune with the IMO’s environmental protection mandates, as outlined in the MARPOL Convention, and we will continue to adopt measures to reduce marine pollution from ships and promote sustainability within the maritime sector” he said.

“In recognition of the fact that the future of shipping is in green energy and sustainable practices, we are also embracing the IMO’s de-carbonization strategy.

“I affirm here that our diligence is to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in shipping, Oyetola said.

He posited that as a reliable and responsible maritime nation, Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with all member states to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable future for the global maritime community.

“As together, they can chart a course that benefits all nations and secures the future of international shipping.