The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria for its strengthened maritime administration and effective implementation of IMO instruments.
In a letter dated October 9, 2025, and addressed to the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dominguez praised the Agency’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection noting the significant impact of the Deep Blue Project in reducing piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters and across the Gulf of Guinea.
“I was particularly pleased to see first-hand the important work being undertaken by NIMASA to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime administration and to advance the effective implementation of IMO instruments”, Dominguez stated.
He added: “Your Agency’s efforts to enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection clearly demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international standards and supporting the objectives of the International Maritime Organisation.
“The Deep Blue Project continues to stand out as a major achievement, significantly improving maritime domain awareness and contributing to a safer and more secure Gulf of Guinea. I encourage NIMASA to maintain its focus on the long-term sustainability of the project so it may serve as a model for broader regional security frameworks”.
The IMO Secretary General further commended NIMASA’s leadership for Nigeria’s active participation in IMO’s technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes, highlighting the Agency’s contributions to global initiatives on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and seafarer training.
“These efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Nigeria remains a strong example of maritime leadership and an active contributor to the work of the IMO”, he emphasised.
Dominguez also reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to continued collaboration with NIMASA in promoting a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime sector.
He extended his commendation to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, recognising his leadership and dedication to the sector.
“Nigeria is a strong example of maritime leadership and has always played an important and active role within IMO, contributing meaningfully to the Organisation’s work and the advancement of global maritime governance”, Dominguez noted.
“I highly value your personal commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors and your strong support for the work of the IMO. I was especially pleased to note the significant progress in maritime education, including the development of the new building for maritime studies at the University of Lagos, as well as the advances achieved through the Deep Blue Project.
“Your leadership in promoting collaboration on decarbonisation and the transition to greener shipping is also commendable and greatly appreciated”.