Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Secretary-General of International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has lauded Nigeria’s achievements in maritime security, particularly its success in recording zero piracy incidents for over three years and the ground-breaking Deep Blue Project, which he described as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He stated that 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.

According to him, 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 chief acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives.

While commending the progress made, Domínguez stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.

He assured that IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives.

In highlighting the organisation’s ongoing projects, Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled to hold in Ghana in January on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states.

He also announced 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.

Beyond security, Domínguez stressed 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 praised Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, especially the training infrastructure.

He encouraged greater collaboration between the academy, Ministry of Education, and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Oyetola, in his address, 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.

He thanked Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were delivered by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector.

Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted 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, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.

Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined 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, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology.

He reaffirmed 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.

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