Sanni Marvelous
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has endorsed Nigeria’s approach to maritime security and the blue economy, describing the country’s recent gains as a model for Africa and beyond.
Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, commended Nigeria for recording zero piracy incidents in its waters for over three years and for the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja.
“Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes,” Domínguez said.
He added that the achievement reflects Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to safer seas across West and Central Africa.
The IMO chief also acknowledged Nigeria’s formal submission to the organization, which detailed its national and regional security initiatives. While praising the progress made, he urged continued investment in modern equipment and infrastructure. According to him, the IMO remains committed to supporting Nigeria through awareness campaigns, technical assistance, training, and capacity-building programmes.
Domínguez outlined the organization’s upcoming activities, including a regional conference in Ghana next January on the Safe Seas Project, which will consolidate Nigeria’s contributions alongside other partner states.
He disclosed that talks are ongoing with the European Union to launch a new maritime governance initiative focused on ports and security, while two additional projects covering Southern and Western Africa would be tracked through measurable indicators.
Turning to future challenges, the IMO chief stressed the importance of preparing for the global energy transition. He cited biofuels, green shipping, and financing mechanisms to support infrastructure and seafarer training as priorities.
He also hailed Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a “forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably” and praised the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron for its modern training facilities.
He called for deeper collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education, and industry players to guide young Nigerians into maritime careers.
Oyetola, in his remarks, described the IMO chief’s visit as a sign of the strength of Nigeria’s partnership with the global maritime body.
He attributed the suppression of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea to strong collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders, while reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve to “consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy.”
The visit featured presentations from top stakeholders. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms on security, seafarer welfare, and regulatory frameworks to position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s simulator-based training and international cadet exchange programmes. Similarly, the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined how the port is expanding Nigeria’s cargo capacity, creating jobs, and attracting long-term foreign investment.
Domínguez also engaged cadets of the Maritime Academy, urging them to seize opportunities in renewable energy, maritime technology, and green shipping. He reaffirmed that the IMO would continue to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance, and drive sustainable growth in the blue economy.
“Nigeria’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond,” the IMO Secretary-General stated.
