Nigeria has strengthened its bid for a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council during a high-level maritime and aviation summit held in Singapore. At the event, the country emphasized its commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure and expanding its role in global maritime decision-making.
Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), represented the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Oyebamiji told global delegates that Nigeria’s maritime sector holds massive potential and remains central to its economic growth plans. He explained that gaining a seat on the IMO Council would give Nigeria a stronger voice in shaping international maritime policies and boost its influence across the West African region.
The Singapore symposium focused on job creation and economic development within the maritime and aviation sectors. Nigeria used the platform to showcase its marine initiatives, aimed at transforming its coastal and inland waterways into drivers of investment and employment. Oyebamiji described the country’s waters as an “untapped goldmine” and said the government is working to turn Nigeria into a central hub for trade and commerce in West Africa.
He added that the Marine and Blue Economy agenda is designed to increase global engagement and attract international stakeholders. Nigeria’s push for the IMO seat, he said, is part of a broader strategy to fast-track regional integration and strengthen the continent’s maritime influence.
