Nigeria launched its International Maritime Organisation election campaign in New York to secure a Category C Council seat for the 2026–2027 biennium.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, led the campaign at a high-level reception hosted at Nigeria House, on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Mr Oyetola presented Nigeria’s bid before diplomats and representatives of IMO Member States, stressing that the candidature was not just an aspiration but a solemn pledge of partnership.

The minister pledged responsible leadership, regional cooperation, and stronger contributions to global maritime governance if Nigeria is elected.

Mr Oyetola appealed for member states’ support, stressing that a vote for Nigeria “is a vote for responsible leadership, inclusivity in decision-making and balanced, collaborative progress in global maritime governance”.

He highlighted Nigeria’s maritime endowment, which includes 853 kilometres of coastline, 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone. He described the country as a strategic maritime nation on the Gulf of Guinea, a corridor of immense global commercial importance.

Mr Oyetola pointed to Nigeria’s landmark achievements in maritime security, particularly the Deep Blue Project, which established an integrated air, land, and sea security framework under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

According to him, the initiative has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for three consecutive years, with piracy across the Gulf of Guinea drastically reduced, restoring global confidence in international shipping.

“Nigeria’s record demonstrates this resolve. In recent years, we have transformed the maritime security architecture of our region,” stated Mr Oyetola. “Through the landmark Deep Blue Project, we have established a multi-layered, integrated maritime security framework, coordinating air, land, and sea assets under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.”

Mr Oyetola added, “The results speak for themselves: for three consecutive years, Nigerla has recorded zero piracy incidents on its waters, while incidents in the Gulf of Guinea have drastically reduced.”

According to him, the results have restored confidence for international shipping and underscored Nigeria’s role as a guarantor of maritime safety.

The minister said Nigeria’s ports remain vital gateways for trade in West and Central Africa, while its shipping industry is one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.

(NAN)