Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made a compelling case for Nigeria’s inclusion in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday. Oyetola met with Marc Fonbaustier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, to discuss growing maritime collaboration between the two countries and Nigeria’s participation in global maritime affairs.
The meeting served as a platform to discuss Nigeria’s involvement in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 8 to 13, 2025. Ambassador Fonbaustier was accompanied by Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy.
Oyetola, who will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNOC3 on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role in regional and global maritime security. He stated, “Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance.”
The Minister pointed out that Nigeria’s entry into the IMO Council would further bolster its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability, especially at a time when collaborative solutions are vital to safeguarding marine ecosystems worldwide.
Oyetola also briefed Ambassador Fonbaustier on Nigeria’s recently approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. He described the policy as a strategic roadmap for the sustainable development of the country’s marine resources, focusing on job creation, economic diversification, and environmental protection. The policy aligns with global ocean sustainability goals and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources.
In his address, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in improving maritime security, particularly efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. He pointed to initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and enhanced inter-agency coordination as key factors in transforming the Gulf into a safer maritime corridor. “Our coordinated efforts have virtually eliminated piracy incidents, making the Gulf of Guinea safer for international shipping and trade,” he said.
The meeting also delved into Nigeria’s active involvement in the upcoming UNOC3, which will be co-chaired by France and Costa Rica. With the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference will focus on science-based solutions, commitments, and sustainable financing for managing marine ecosystems.
Oyetola reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to playing a meaningful role at the conference, emphasizing the country’s dedication to global cooperation on maritime security, ocean health, and innovation in the blue economy. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of representing Nigeria at such a crucial global event.
In response, Ambassador Fonbaustier praised Nigeria’s active role in marine and ocean affairs and commended President Tinubu’s decision to send a high-level delegation to UNOC3. “France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to deepening bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development,” Fonbaustier stated.
The diplomatic discussions reflect the growing partnership between Nigeria and France in maritime security, sustainable ocean management, and the advancement of the blue economy on the global stage.
