Nigeria has stepped up its campaign for a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, showcasing its maritime ambitions at a high-level global maritime and aviation symposium in Singapore.

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure and unlocking the economic potential of the blue economy.

Speaking at the forum, Oyebamiji stressed the strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime assets and the benefits of being part of the IMO Council.

“The IMO seat will empower Nigeria to influence the global maritime ecosystem and position the country as a major stakeholder in shaping international maritime policies, especially in the West African sub-region,” he said.

The forum, themed “Job Creation and Economic Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime and Aviation Sectors,” also spotlighted key government-led initiatives designed to drive investment, sustainability, and employment in the sector.

Oyebamiji described Nigeria’s coastal waters as an “untapped goldmine,” and reiterated the government’s vision to turn Nigeria into a regional trade and logistics hub. He emphasized that the IMO Council bid is part of a broader strategy to elevate Nigeria’s profile on the international maritime stage and boost regional economic integration.