By Ignatius Ushie
Photo Caption
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape (left) and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, when Oyetola met with the Papua New Guinean leader on the sidelines of the recently concluded 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France
In a significant diplomatic drive on the sidelines of the recently concluded 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, engaged in high-level meetings with leaders from several island nations to solicit support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council later this year.
According to a statement made available to Transport Day in Abuja and signed by Special Adviser, Media and. Communications, to the Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Hon. Minister met separately with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape; the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Joyelle Clarke; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia.
According to him, these meetings underscored Nigeria’s commitment to building alliances with countries that, though geographically distant, share common vulnerabilities and aspirations within the global maritime community.
Oyetola explained that Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the IMO Council is not driven by ambition alone but by a desire to ensure greater representation for African nations, developing countries, and vulnerable coastal and island states in global maritime decision-making.
He assured that Nigeria would be a reliable ally advocating for stronger global commitments to maritime decarbonization.
The Minister highlighted that Nigeria’s dedication to these principles is underscored by the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. This move, he explained, reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to sustainable ocean governance, blue economic growth, and building resilience against climate change.
As the IMO Council elections approach, Nigeria is positioning itself as a Category C candidate committed to inclusivity, equity, and climate-resilient maritime development in an increasingly interconnected and environmentally vulnerable world.
