Nigeria is pressing for increased international investment, technical assistance and capacity-building to expand its role in global shipping and develop its blue economy, Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola said at the International Maritime Organisation in London.
Oyetola is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 138th session of the IMO Council, which runs from November 2 to 6. In a statement issued by his special adviser, Bolaji Akinola, the minister said developing maritime nations need better access to expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities if they are to compete in the changing global shipping industry.
“Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy. We believe that developing maritime nations must have access to the technical expertise, institutional support and investment opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the evolving global shipping industry,” Oyetola said.
The council is reviewing financial allocations for the 2026–2027 biennium and setting strategic priorities for 2028–2029. Nigeria is using the meeting to argue for stronger technical cooperation that would help strengthen maritime institutions, improve regulatory capacity and create conditions that attract investment into shipping and related sectors.
Another major item on the agenda is the protection of critical international shipping routes amid rising security threats to commercial vessels in high-risk areas. Nigeria plans to draw on its experience fighting piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea to push for closer international coordination.
“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,” Oyetola said.
He also called for stronger measures to protect seafarers, describing them as essential to global trade. “Seafarers are the lifeblood of international shipping. Their safety, dignity and welfare must never be compromised by geopolitical tensions. Nigeria supports stronger international measures to protect maritime workers and ensure that their rights are respected,” he said.
The five-day meeting gives Nigeria a platform to influence international shipping policy, seek development partnerships and advance the interests of developing maritime economies.
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