The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.

Mr Oyetola made the commitment at the ongoing 138th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in London.

The minister’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

The five-day meeting, held at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on maritime security, shipping regulations and the future of the global maritime industry.

Mr Oyetola said that Nigeria’s participation under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council demonstrated the country’s commitment to shaping global maritime policies and advancing the interests of developing nations.

He said that the session was important as the council considered measures to protect vital shipping routes, improve seafarers’ welfare, strengthen maritime governance and promote sustainability.

According to him, the challenges facing the global maritime industry require collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks.

Mr Oyetola said that a major focus of the session was the protection of international shipping routes amid growing security threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones.

He said that Nigeria would draw on its experience in combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea during discussions under Agenda Item 11, which addresses the protection of vital shipping lanes.

He stated, “Our experience in the Gulf of Guinea has shown that maritime insecurity can be addressed through political commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among regional and international partners.”

The minister said that Nigeria would continue to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding shipping routes, protecting seafarers and securing maritime assets.

He also called for measures to prevent the arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers, stressing the need to protect their rights and welfare and ensure their safe repatriation.

“Seafarers are the lifeblood of international shipping. Their safety, dignity and welfare must never be compromised by geopolitical tensions,” Mr Oyetola said.

He urged the international community to strengthen measures to protect maritime workers, irrespective of security challenges in the waters where they operate.

The minister said that the council was also reviewing financial allocations for the 2026-2027 biennium and strategic priorities for 2028-2029.

He said that the deliberations provided Nigeria with an opportunity to advocate increased technical cooperation and support for developing maritime nations.

Mr Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international partnerships that would translate IMO policies into practical benefits for developing maritime economies.

He said that access to technical expertise, investment and institutional support was essential for developing countries to participate effectively in global shipping and build competitive and sustainable blue economies.

“Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy.

“Developing nations must have access to technical expertise, support and investment to participate meaningfully in global shipping,” he said.

(NAN)