Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, as the country seeks to strengthen its influence in global maritime governance.
The five-day meeting, which commenced on November 2 and runs until November 6, 2026, at the IMO headquarters, brings together member states to deliberate on critical issues shaping international shipping, maritime security and the future of the global maritime industry.
The Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, in a statement issued on Thursday, said Nigeria’s participation, under its Category C membership of the 40-member IMO Council, underscores the country’s commitment to contributing to international maritime policy and advancing the interests of developing maritime nations.
Akinola said Oyetola’s presence at the meeting is particularly significant as the Council considers measures to protect vital shipping lanes, improve seafarer welfare, strengthen institutional governance and promote a sustainable maritime industry. He said the country remained committed to working with other maritime nations to promote safe, secure and sustainable international shipping.
“Nigeria recognises that the challenges confronting the global maritime industry require collective action, stronger international cooperation and effective regulatory frameworks. We are at the IMO Council to ensure that Nigeria’s interests are represented while contributing meaningfully to solutions that will strengthen maritime security, protect seafarers and promote sustainable shipping,” the minister said.
A major focus of the session is the protection of vital international shipping routes, particularly amid growing security concerns and threats to commercial vessels in high-risk maritime zones. With deliberations under Agenda Item 11 addressing the protection of vital shipping lanes, Nigeria is expected to draw on its experience in combating piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea to support stronger international cooperation and coordinated security responses.
Nigeria will continue to support initiatives that safeguard shipping routes and protect seafarers and maritime assets,” he said. Seafarer welfare is another major issue featuring prominently at the meeting, following IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s condemnation of the use of seafarers as pawns in geopolitical disputes.
Nigeria is backing measures aimed at preventing arbitrary detention and abandonment of seafarers, while promoting their fair treatment, safe repatriation and mental well-being.