IMO Sec-Gen, Domínguez Commends Nigeria’s Maritime Security Gains, Deep Blue Project, Blue Economy Policy
Secretary-General of International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has commended Nigeria’s achievements in maritime security, principally its success in recording zero piracy incidents for over three years and the ground-breaking Deep Blue Project, which he designated as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Domínguez made the remarks during a courtesy visit on arrival in Nigeria on Thursday, to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
According to him, Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, had yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.
He emphasized that these efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters, but also for the wider West and Central African region.
The IMO Sec-General acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives.
Domínguez, while commending the progress made, harped on the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.
He assured of IMO commitment to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives.
Domínguez, while highlighting the organisation’s ongoing projects, cited a regional conference scheduled to hold in Ghana in January on the Safe Seas Project, which is designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states.
He also affirmed ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on port security, as well as two regional projects in southern and western Africa, where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.
Domínguez explained that beyond security, there is the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges, including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms to support training of seafarers, infrastructure development, and the adoption of future fuels.
He lauded the Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed appreciation for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, especially the training infrastructure.
He urged for greater collaboration between the academy, Ministry of Education, and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.
In his address, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body.
Oyetola, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, said Nigeria’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in marine and blue economy.
The minister thanked Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Presentations were delivered by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector during the visit.
Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarers’ welfare, and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.
Acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, highlighted the academy’s modern training facilities as well as the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.
Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, highlighted the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs, and attracting long-term foreign investment.
Domínguez also interacted with cadets of MAN, encouraging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology.
He reiterated IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy, stating that the country’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.