International Maritime Organisation Council Seat: Oyetola Applauds Adalikwu, MOWCA for Supporting Nigeria’s Bid

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has applauded the Secretary-General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu, for mobilising support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a Category C seat on the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Oyetola gave the commendation last weekend during his visit to the MOWCA headquarters in Abidjan, where he assured that Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its obligations in support of the organisation.

Represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Minister noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in the global maritime community, particularly through the implementation of the $195 million Deep Blue Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security in the country and across the Gulf of Guinea.

“The project has led to a significant reduction in piracy and other maritime crimes, making Nigerian waters safer for shipping and trade. Nigeria is proud to share this success with MOWCA member states, and we believe it demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting maritime safety and security in the region,” he said.

Oyetola further stated:

“I am honoured to pay a courtesy visit to your esteemed office today. As a Nigerian and a product of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, I commend your visionary leadership of MOWCA, which has brought visible progress to the organisation. We are proud to witness the growth and development of MOWCA under your stewardship.

Your leadership has not only strengthened the organisation’s capacity to promote maritime development in the region but has also fostered cooperation and collaboration among member states. We appreciate the efforts you have made to advance the interests of West and Central Africa in the global maritime community.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the support already expressed by MOWCA member states for Nigeria’s candidature to the Category C Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This support is a reflection of the strong relationships between our countries and the trust built over the years.

Your Excellency, this visit is a gesture of appreciation for your leadership and a precursor to our gratitude in anticipation of the fulfilment of the expressed support for our successful election. We believe that our membership in the IMO Council will not only benefit Nigeria but also contribute to the growth and development of the entire MOWCA region.

In return for this overwhelming support, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations to MOWCA and will leverage its influence in the global maritime community to ensure sustained progress and growth of the organisation. We will continue to work closely with MOWCA member states to promote maritime development, safety, and security in the region.”

Responding to the Minister’s remarks and the Nigerian government’s visit, Dr. Adalikwu reiterated MOWCA’s commitment to ensuring that member states harness the full benefits of their marine and multimodal transport resources.

Highlighting the strategic importance of African waters to global trade, Adalikwu stressed that MOWCA countries deserve representation “at the table wherever global commerce is the subject matter.”

He identified the relative stability in the Gulf of Guinea as the outcome of concerted efforts by African nations and their allies in curbing piracy, noting that this qualifies a maritime power like Nigeria to sit on the IMO Council.

The Secretary-General further explained that MOWCA is building strategic alliances to promote a sustainable blue economy that attracts foreign direct investment, fosters deeper participation of African-owned businesses in the maritime industry, and creates jobs for citizens of West and Central African countries.

He also restated the organisation’s commitment to achieving safer inland water travel across the subregion, with a focus on preventing boat accidents and saving lives.

 

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