IMO Secretary-General Praises Nigeria’s Maritime Security, Ministry's Leadership

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – October 2, 2025: The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Arsenio Domínguez, has commended Nigeria for its exceptional progress in maritime security and sustainable ocean development during a recent visit to the country.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (left) presenting a souvenir to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, during the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to Nigeria,

Domínguez applauded Nigeria’s impressive record of zero piracy incidents for over three years and lauded the Deep Blue Project as an exemplary model of regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. 

Speaking during a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the IMO chief highlighted the country’s robust investments in maritime safety infrastructure and the effective collaboration among security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s national and regional security initiatives submitted to the IMO, Domínguez emphasized the importance of continued support for infrastructure development and modern equipment acquisition. 

He assured that IMO will provide ongoing technical assistance through training programs and capacity-building efforts.

The Secretary-General also referenced upcoming regional initiatives, including the Safe Seas Project conference set to take place in Ghana and plans for enhanced maritime governance in partnership with the European Union. 

He further stressed the importance of preparing for global challenges such as the energy transition, biofuel adoption, and advancing seafarer training.

Domínguez praised Nigeria’s forward-thinking Blue Economy Policy and expressed admiration for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, encouraging greater collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education, and industry stakeholders to nurture maritime careers among Nigerian youth.

Minister Oyetola welcomed the visit as a testament to the strong partnership between Nigeria and the IMO, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to sustaining gains in maritime security and expanding opportunities within the blue economy.

Additional presentations showcased ongoing reforms by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), advances at the Maritime Academy’s training facilities, and the Lekki Free Trade Zone’s role in enhancing cargo handling and attracting investment.

Domínguez also engaged with cadets at the academy, encouraging them to embrace emerging sectors like renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology, reaffirming IMO’s commitment to support Nigeria’s maritime ambitions as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.