Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria has urged the international maritime community to ensure fairness, equity, and targeted support for developing nations as the world accelerates efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions in global shipping.
Speaking at the 84th Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to decarbonisation, while insisting that the global transition must reflect the economic realities of less-developed economies.
“Nigeria supports the journey to net-zero emissions, but it must be a transition that is fair, inclusive, and sensitive to the developmental challenges of countries like ours. A just transition is the only sustainable pathway to achieving the 2050 climate goals,” Oyetola said.
Dr. Oyetola stressed that the global push for cleaner shipping fuels, new technologies, and emission-reduction measures must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and guarantee opportunities for growth in developing maritime states.
On the sidelines of the MEPC 84, Oyetola held strategic meetings with the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, H.E. Fawaz Al Sehali, where he reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to deeper maritime cooperation.
The discussions explored:
• Strengthening maritime security
• Expanding capacity-building initiatives
• Advancing blue economy growth
• Driving an equitable global energy transition
Oyetola reiterated that Nigeria’s partnership with the IMO is anchored on shared priorities including maritime safety, institutional capacity enhancement, and sustainable blue economy expansion.
The IMO Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the warm reception during his recent visit to Nigeria and meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described Nigeria as a “critical maritime leader” on the continent.
Dominguez commended:
• Nigeria’s significant achievements in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea
• Ongoing reforms in port modernisation and digitalisation
• The country’s increasing influence within the IMO Council
He noted that Nigeria’s progress offers “valuable lessons for other maritime regions around the world.”
The minister’s engagement with Saudi Arabia reaffirmed the deepening of bilateral maritime relations, with both countries pledging stronger collaboration and mutual support within the IMO framework.