Nigeria has urged the global maritime community to place fairness, equity, and targeted support for developing economies at the heart of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions in international shipping.
Speaking at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to decarbonisation, stressing that meaningful progress must be anchored on frameworks that reflect the economic realities of developing countries.
Oyetola emphasised that the global target of net-zero emissions by 2050 must be pursued in a manner consistent with broader sustainable development objectives, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the transition.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Secretary-General of International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez; Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, during a meeting.
On the sidelines of MEPC 84, the Minister held high-level engagements with the Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, and the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, H.E. Fawaz Al Sehali. The meetings reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen strategic collaboration across critical maritime priorities.
Key discussions focused on enhancing maritime security, strengthening capacity building, advancing blue economy initiatives, and promoting a just and inclusive energy transition within the global shipping industry.
Oyetola reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a constructive partnership with the IMO, anchored on shared priorities including maritime safety, institutional strengthening, and sustainable blue economy development.
In his remarks, Dominguez commended Nigeria’s growing leadership in global maritime affairs and expressed appreciation for the warm reception during his recent visit to the country, including his meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the engagement as a strong signal of Nigeria’s dedication to effective maritime governance.
He further lauded Nigeria’s strides in improving security in the Gulf of Guinea, noting the significant reduction in piracy incidents and enhanced regional coordination, which he said provide a model for other maritime regions.
The discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s expanding role within the IMO Council, ongoing reforms in port modernisation and digitalisation, and sustained efforts to build human capital in line with international best practices.
Engagements with Saudi Arabia reinforced growing bilateral ties, with both countries pledging continued cooperation and mutual support within the IMO framework.