Nigeria’s IMO Category ‘C’ Election Campaign a Mere Distraction, Says Maritime Lawyer

—As Tanzania Poised to Understudy Nigeria Blue Economy

Top maritime lawyer and President of the President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN has said that the campaign for Nigeria’a relection into the Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a distraction, even as she raised concerns about Nigeria not yet satisfying the demands and audit of the IMO carried out in 2016.

Recall that the International Maritime Organisation Member States Audit Scheme (IMSAS) had in 2016 conducted a mandatory audit of Nigeria’s maritime industry to ascertain Nigeria’s compliance level with IMO’s maritime security and efficiency protocols on the nation’s waters.

The team had submitted a report of 11 findings, with a call on Maritime stakeholders especially the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to develop and formalize a long term strategy for the implementation of IMO instruments in the country.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has been on the forefront of ensuring that Nigeria is reflected into the Category C of the IMO with several conferences abroad, especially wooing other member nations to support Nigeria’a ambition.

Speaking at a one day training programme for maritime journalists organised by the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) at the Western Naval Command on Wednesday, Mrs Funke Agbor SAN said “The category C election thing is really a distraction, for me it is not a critical issue, it is just visibility and propaganda for Nigeria, and unfortunately, I don’t think that up till now we have done all the things that are required for us to get into category C.

“There are so many audits that has been made by IMO, and Nigeria was supposed to address these issues that were raised, as at two years ago, these concerns have not been addressed.

“For me, the Category C election is a none issue as far as we are talking about blue economy and it’s growth in Nigeria, but good luck to us if we get there”

She also said that Nigeria needs to have the right people at the helm of affairs if it wants to make any progress in the marine and blue economy sector.

“We need the political will, without this we are not going to get things right”
“I have a trust issue with the maritime sector; Lome has been declared a hub for West Africa in shipping oil.
“We are not acting like the big country because we lack strong political will,” Agbor said.

Meanwhile, the United Republic of Tanzania has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, citing strong bilateral relations and Nigeria’s past support as key factors. This declaration was made during a courtesy visit by the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking during the visit, High Commissioner Kakele reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to fostering strategic maritime cooperation with Nigeria, describing both countries as natural partners with shared aspirations for maritime development.

He noted that Tanzania’s support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid stems not only from gratitude for Nigeria’s previous backing of Tanzania’s own IMO aspirations, but also from mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s voice on the global maritime stage.

The High Commissioner further expressed Tanzania’s eagerness to tap into Nigeria’s experience in developing its marine and blue economy sector. He revealed plans to dispatch a team of Tanzanian maritime experts to Nigeria in the coming months to understudy key government agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

In his response, Minister Oyetola welcomed the High Commissioner and his delegation, expressing deep appreciation for Tanzania’s backing of Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat on the IMO Council. The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s election into Category C would not only serve national interests but would also bolster Africa’s collective influence in international maritime governance.

“A seat for Nigeria at the IMO Council is, in essence, a voice for Africa,” Oyetola said. “It means we can collectively advocate for safer shipping, sustainable marine resources, and fairer maritime trade practices across our continent. Nigeria’s vast coastline, dynamic port system, and active maritime policies make us a worthy representative of Africa on the global maritime stage.”

Oyetola went on to highlight the numerous initiatives being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including efforts to establish a national shipping carrier through a public-private partnership framework. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing intra-African maritime trade, especially under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We believe the future of Africa’s economic resilience lies in maritime collaboration. As we unlock the full potential of our blue economy, there is enormous value in partnerships like the one we are building with Tanzania,” the Minister said. “Your proposed expert delegation is welcome, and my Ministry will provide all necessary support to ensure a productive engagement.”

The Minister further pledged to encourage Nigerian investors to consider opportunities in Tanzania while also calling on Tanzanian investors to invest in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.

The Tanzanian delegation included Minister Plenipotentiary Allen Kuzilwa and Minister Counsellor Philbert Peter. On the Nigerian side, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori; and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, were present at the meeting.