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Stakeholders raise alarm over looming defeat of Nigeria at 2025 IMO Council elections

Adegboyega Oyetola,Minister of Marine and Blue Economy

—list disturbing telltale signs

The Eyewitness Reporter

Concerned stakeholders in the maritime industry, who are well versed in global maritime matters, have expressed fears of the possible loss of Nigeria in the 2025 International Maritime Organization (IMO) council elections.

It could be recalled that Nigeria has been a serial loser in the IMO category C election which it won last in 2007.

Since then up till 2023 when the country participated in the biennial elections, it had been a string of defeats and near-misses.

The incumbent Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, did not allow Nigeria to participate in the 2023 election, saying this was to gain enough time and muscle for the country to prepare well for the 2025 election.However, concerned maritime industry players said they have not seen much of these so-called preparations to end the 15 years of unbroken losses at the IMO council elections.

According to them, there are tell-tell signs that signpost another possible defeat.

A Marine Engineer, who pleaded for anonymity for fear of reprisal attacks, said Nigeria has what it takes to comfortably win and even retain a permanent seat in Category C of the IMO council, given the country’s vast maritime potential.

He however lamented that the country’s undoing has been a lack of human capacity and leadership quality to harness and drive these potentials.”Sometimes in 2023, the immediate past Secretary General of the IMO, Kitack Lim, came to Nigeria and marveled at the huge maritime potentials in the country.

“He said there was no reason Nigeria should be struggling to hold a seat in the IMO council given what he saw.
” He was impressed with the vast investments at our Ports, the numbers and size of our ports and the technological development in our oil and gas sector which he said was massive.
“He expressed surprise that other African countries like Kenya with lesser Maritime endowments and infrastructures, should be in the IMO council and Nigeria should still be struggling for the past 15 years for the same position” the maritime expert revealed.

However, he said that lack of the right leadership to drive these potentials has been rubbing the country of this coveted seat and will continue to elude the country if the negative narrative does not change.”Nigeria has the largest coastline in Africa. The government has invested huge resources into maritime infrastructures so much so that we provide leadership for other African countries in the maritime industry.

” Deep Blue project cost a fortune and has changed the narrative in the national and regional maritime security architecture.
” We recently acquired seven ballistic boats and four search and rescue boats. Our navigational and communication equipment at Maritime Resource Development Center covers our entire space to provide security.
” Yet, we are still struggling to get a seat on the IMO council, 15 years after.

“This is because Nigeria has an uncanny propensity for putting square pegs in round holes” he declared.The Marine engineer, who has spent over three decades in active capacity in the maritime industry, said the sad tradition of making weak appointments into critical positions in the industry which he said has rubbed Nigeria of IMO council seat over the years has continued under the present government.

“We were all elated when Tinubu government created a special ministry to oversee the maritime industry: the Marine and Blue economy.

” We felt that this will rejuvenate the industry and drive the huge potentials Nigeria has in the maritime and harness them to our advantage in the global maritime space.
“But our enthusiasm and joy soon gave way to despairs and disappointment when appointments were made to the critical positions in the agencies in the industry”

The concerned stakeholder said that the appointments made so far at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the two critical agencies whose operations and activities impact Nigeria’s standing in global maritime space, are nothing to write home about.”These appointments are in tandem with the tradition of making wrong choices for critical appointments which have so far spelt doom for our relevance in the international maritime industry.

” These fresh appointments are telltale signs of Nigeria’s impending defeat at the 2025 IMO council elections,” the maritime expert noted.

It could be recalled that President Tinubu, in January 2024, made new appointments to the governing boards of the NPA and NIMASA while he also appointed a new NIMASA DG in March 2024.

However, the maritime expert faulted the appointment of the new NIMASA DG, Dr  Dayo Mobereola whom he described as highly cerebral with impressive credentials but lacks cognate experience or capacity in the maritime industry.

” Mobereola is well-read with sparkling credentials but he lacks what it takes to drive and harness the huge maritime potentials for Nigeria to make an impact on the global stage, at least in a short while.
“We can no longer afford to bring in anyone who will come and learn on the job. We need professionals such as master mariners, and marine engineers, who would come and leverage the groundwork made by the immediate past DG, Bashir Jamoh.
“Jamoh has spent over two decades in the industry, rising through the ranks in NIMASA, which made him to have an impact.
“What qualifications does Mobereola have?
“Degrees and experience in land transport,  are not relevant to the maritime transport that is more technical and engaging.

“He would have been an ideal candidate if we have the luxury of time to wait for him to learn on the job” the maritime analyst noted.” In the same NIMASA, the newly appointed Executive Director, Operations, Fatai Adeyemi, is another greenhorn who needs to learn on the job.

”Yet he was given a critical position as ED, Operations.

“The same goes for the new Executive Director, Marine Labour and Cabotage, Jubril Abbas, who is from the banking sector.

“In NPA, the newly appointed Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, is another learner on the job who also holds a critical position that needs expertise and depth.

” Yet these are the same people the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy ,Adegboyega Oyetola, who himself is new on the job, will have to rely on to drive the maritime industry and win the elusive IMO council elections.

The respondent said he was worried because there is not much time to start to learn and experiment on the job when the IMO council is next year.”If Jamoh, with all his many years of experience at NIMASA and maritime industry backed by Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation who garnered eight solid years in the industry, failed to deliver the seat to Nigeria in 2021, it would be a sheer miracle for Mobereola, who will be barely one year in the saddle at the next IMO council elections, backed by the minister, who is also learning the rope, could deliver the IMO council seat” he noted.

According to him, the only bright spot in the gloomy picture is Mohammed Bello-Koko, the NPA MD, whom he said has garnered an appreciable level of knowledge and experience in the industry.
 Bello Koko’s experience came from his longer stay at the NPA for eight years now, first as the ED, Finance and Administration before he transmuted into the Chief Executive of the agency.
In 2016, Mohammed Bello Koko was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Executive Director Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a role he held till May 2021, when he was appointed Acting Managing Director16 Feb 2024 before his eventual confirmation as the substantive MD.

” That is exactly what am saying.

”The experience on the job is key especially now that Nigeria is desperate to break the jinx of IMO Council elections’ string of defeat” the Marine engineer declared.

The next council elections are expected to hold around November- December 2025.The current Council Members were elected at the IMO Assembly (27 November-6 December 2023) for the 2024-2025 biennium:

The Assembly, at its thirty-fourth session in 2025 will elect 40 Members of the Council for the 2026- 2027 session as provided for in Articles 16 and 17 of the IMO Convention.

The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.

The Council is made up of 40 Member States, elected by the Assembly for two-year terms.

The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.

Between sessions of the Assembly, the Council performs the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to Governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.

The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization elected the following States to be Members of the Council for the  current 2024-2025 biennium:

Category (a): 10 States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.
These include
China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States

Category (b): 10 States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade: These include

Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates

Category (c): 20 States not elected under (a) or (b) above, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world:
These include
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Türkiye.

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At World Environment Day celebration, NIWA renews commitment to clean, secure waterways 

Umar Yusuf Girei, NIWA Ag. MD
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining clean, safe and sustainable inland waterways as Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.
The celebration, themed “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future,” draws attention to the environmental challenges accompanying rapid urban growth and climate change impacts.
In a statement delivered at NIWA Headquarters in Lokoja, Girei extended greetings to cities across the country, noting that urban areas are increasingly expanding around waterways which continue to serve as vital centres of commerce, culture and economic activity.
He, however, warned that urbanisation places significant strain on the environment, leading to challenges such as rising temperatures, flooding and erosion, all of which require urgent and coordinated response measures.
According to him, NIWA views inland waterways as natural infrastructure for building urban resilience, explaining that properly managed rivers and channels help mitigate flooding by serving as drainage pathways, while also offering a cleaner, low-carbon option for transporting goods and passengers.
Girei reiterated the Authority’s commitment to responsible dredging, protection of riverbanks, and sustained efforts to keep waterways free from pollution and indiscriminate waste disposal.
He also stressed that government cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, urging Nigerians to contribute by disposing of waste properly, planting trees along riverbanks, reporting illegal dredging and encroachment activities, and supporting environmental protection initiatives.
He further encouraged greater adoption of water transportation as a safer and more sustainable alternative to road transport across the country.
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Tope Fajemirokun, WABOTAN President, decries high cost of water transportation in Nigeria 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 

 

The President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Mr. Tope Fajemirokun, has lamented the prohibitive cost of water transportation in Nigeria which he said has continued to discourage Nigerians from using this viable mode of transportation.

Fajemirokun make this observation during a live Radio broadcast in Lagos.
The WABOTAN President further disclosed that commuters pay more using water transportation than when using road transportation, a development which he feared was inimical to the growth of water transportation that he believed was a viable alternative to road transportation.
According to him, a commuter pays as high as N10,000 commuting on waters from Badagry to CMS, Lagos on two- way journey.
“The cost of water transportation remains high. For example, a commuter travelling from Badagry to CMS may spend about ₦5,000 each way, amounting to ₦10,000 daily on transportation alone.
” This is one of the major factors discouraging passengers from using the waterways. That is why we are appealing to government at all levels to invest more in the sector,” he added.
To bring the cost of water transportation down, Fajemirokun called on government to invest more on water transportation and also give assistance to private operators in the business.
He lamented that rising fuel prices have significantly affected the operations of boat owners and transporters, noting that the increase in fuel costs, coupled with prevailing economic challenges, has made it difficult for operators to acquire new boats and expand their businesses.
 “When you are in business, you must continue to improve and invest in it despite the challenges,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to NIWA and LASWA for their commitment to maintaining safety standards on Nigeria’s waterways.
Fajemirokun further outlined several initiatives undertaken by WABOTAN to educate its members on safety practices ahead of the rainy season.
 “Since the beginning of the year, we have been educating our members on safety measures.
“We have conducted two safety induction programmes this year and are currently planning another one before August.

“With the support of my friend and brother, Frank Meke, the programme will bring together stakeholders, the media, and regulatory agencies to further strengthen safety awareness,” he stated.

The WABOTAN President noted that the association has implemented several safety measures in preparation for the rainy season and acknowledged the efforts of regulatory authorities in sensitizing operators and passengers.

 “A few months ago, LASWA invested significantly in clearing water hyacinth from Lagos waterways. Water hyacinth is a fast-growing aquatic plant that obstructs navigation and poses safety risks on waterways,” he explained.

Fajemirokun said WABOTAN has enjoyed strong cooperation from both LASWA and NIWA in promoting safety and regulatory compliance across the sector.

 “We have received tremendous support from LASWA and NIWA, and we are working closely with them.
“However, we remain particularly concerned about Rivers and Bayelsa States, where incidents on the waterways tend to increase during the rainy season due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

“With NIWA’s support, we are intensifying sensitization efforts in those states and across other parts of the country,” he said.

He added that several states are establishing their own waterway authorities and commended NIWA for providing guidance and support in that regard.

Speaking on the need to phase out unsafe banana and wooden boats, Fajemirokun called for greater government intervention and financial support for operators seeking to invest in safer and more modern vessels.

“The government needs to come to our aid, just as the Lagos State Government has been doing.

“Eliminating banana and wooden boats will be easier if government provides the necessary support and investment.

” State governments should also invest more in water transportation to ensure that Nigerians can fully benefit from the opportunities offered by the waterways,” he said.

He further urged government authorities to take a more active role in developing the water transportation sector, noting that the high cost of water travel discourages many commuters.

Also speaking on the programme, veteran maritime journalist Frank Meke acknowledged government efforts but stressed that more needs to be done to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s water transportation system.”Our roads are heavily congested. As we speak, Apapa remains gridlocked. Imagine the impact if government invested more in water transportation.

” Sometimes, there appears to be more lip service than concrete action. The blue economy holds enormous potential.
” Look at the investments and sacrifices being made by associations like WABOTAN to strengthen the sector.

” Government agencies should demonstrate a similar level of commitment,” Meke said.

He also expressed concern about states such as Kwara, Niger, Benue, and Taraba, where waterways could serve as a more affordable and efficient means of transporting agricultural produce.

According to him, many farmers in these states need reliable and cost-effective transportation options to move their goods to market, making water transportation a viable alternative.

Meke called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the water transportation sector, emphasizing the need for alternative modes of transportation beyond road networks.

“Nigerians need efficient alternatives to road transport, and WABOTAN has played a significant role in advancing the sector.

“Government should provide soft loans to boat operators to enable them to acquire modern vessels.
“Investment should not be limited to boats alone; there is also a need for continuous training of boat captains, crew members, and even passengers.

” As the rainy season approaches, we must prepare adequately for emergencies,” he stated.

Fajemirokun concluded by urging all boat operators to prioritize safety at all times and ensure that passengers wear life jackets before embarking on any journey.

 “Safety must always come first. Boat operators and passengers should never neglect the use of life jackets, regardless of the distance of the journey,” he advised.
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Nigeria gains prominence in standard maritime training capacity as NSML secures prestigious UK certification 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSMS) has placed Nigeria on a global map as a country with world class maritime training capacity with the certification of its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) by the UK Nautical institute.
It could be recalled that NSMS, the capacity – building arm of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas(NLNG) Limited, runs a word class maritime training institute called Maritime Centre of Excellence(MCOE) based at Bonny Island, Rivers State.
The institute, which has, over the years, deepened the Nigeria’s capacity in maritime industry through standardized training of professionals in the industry, recently secured a prestigious certification of its training programmes by the United Kingdom Nautical Institute.
Sharing the cheering news with newsmen on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of the NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed, enthused that the certification from the UK Nautical Institute is a strong validation of the quality, rigour, and relevance of the training delivered at the Centre.
Ahmed further disclosed that the certification was a great milestone for the institute in particular and Nigeria’s maritime industry in general which, according to him, confirms that the MCOE meets internationally accepted standards for competence development and operational excellence.
He further stated that the UK certification was not the first global milestone attained by the institute as it has earlier secured the accreditation  by DNV under globally recognised standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and the DNV-ST-0029 standards for Maritime Simulator and Training Centres.
“These certifications reinforce our commitment to quality, consistency, and excellence in training delivery” the NSML MD enthused.
Ahmed listed the significance of the certification of the MCOE by the UK Nautical institute

“It strengthens our global standing, certification by globally respected bodies affirms that the standard of training and expertise developed here in Nigeria can compete with the best anywhere in the world.

“It enhances the employability and mobility of Nigerian maritime professionals with internationally recognised training; our seafarers are better positioned to access opportunities across global fleets and offshore operations.

“It reinforces our commitment to building capacity locally, this milestone demonstrates clearly that world-class maritime training can be delivered here at home, reducing reliance on foreign institutions while raising national capability.

“It also reinforces safety and professionalism within the sector.

“The certifications obtained by the MCOE affirm that the professionals trained here meet high international expectations in performance, safety, and operational readiness.

“Beyond the industry, the impact is broader. A stronger maritime workforce contributes directly to trade, shipping, offshore operations, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy supporting job creation, productivity, and national competitiveness” the NSML MD declared.

He disclosed that the UK Nautical institute certification has now given the MCOE the license to deliver key Dynamic Positioning (DP) programmes which include  induction, simulator, revalidation, and vessel maintenance courses.
The Maritime Centre of Excellence is the  NSML’s hub for maritime training, research, and competence.
It was established as a one-stop centre for world-class maritime expertise which serves  Nigeria, West Africa, and the global maritime community.

The Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities designed to support the continuous professional development of seafarers and maritime professionals, with an expanding portfolio of both mandatory and specialised courses.

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