Headlines

Nigeria eyes regional votes to clinch IMO council elections

– plans to expand deep blue infrastructure to Gulf of Guinea

Funso OLOJO

As the race to the International Maritime Organization ( IMO) council elections hots up, Nigeria has taken its campaign to clinch the elusive Category C of the Organization to the Gambia.

At the Fourth Blue Economy Conference in Banjul, where Nigeria joined other West African maritime nations, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, solicited for the support and votes of the regional members country.

Represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Minister reminded the participants of the crucial role Nigeria plays in regional integration and how it will protect the interests of the continent if elected into the council.

“Let me take this opportunity to inform this esteemed gathering that Nigeria has formally declared its candidacy for the IMO Council election under Category ‘C’ for the 2026-2027 term.

“We seek the kind support and vote of member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in the forthcoming election at the 34th IMO Assembly Session.

” Nigeria’s representation in the IMO Council will strengthen Africa’s voice in global maritime decision-making, particularly in areas related to the blue economy, maritime safety and security, and environmental sustainability, given the volume of trade conducted in our region,” the minister pleaded.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has expressed its desire to strengthen maritime collaboration with The Gambia to enhance regional security and economic growth.

Oyetola , speaking through the NIMASA DG, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its maritime security infrastructure beyond its territorial waters.

He revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the potential extension of the Deep Blue Project’s operations to cover a wider area within the Gulf of Guinea.

“Nigeria remains committed to being a stabilizing force, fostering cooperation, and promoting sustainable development through the blue economy.

” We are dedicated to ensuring safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea region.

” Given the recent disruption in global trade caused by the crisis in the Suez Canal, there has been a surge in shipping traffic around Africa.

“To address this, Nigeria is working towards extending the operational coverage of its Deep Blue assets to further enhance maritime security,” Mobereola stated.

Dr. Mobereola also highlighted that Nigeria’s efforts in maritime security have received global recognition.

Both the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the IMO have commended the country for its effective deployment of the Deep Blue Project, which has sustained zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for the past three years.

Nigeria remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships, strengthening maritime security, and advancing the shared economic interests of West and Central African nations through sustainable blue economy initiatives.

Headlines

Maersk’s suspension of shipping operations through Strait of Hormuz raises anxiety among Nigerian importers

Attack on vessel in the Strait of Hormuz

Funso OLOJO, with agency report

The on- going hostilies in the Middle East have continued to stifle international trade as most of the shipping companies have suspended voyage through the troubled Strait of Hormuz.

The joint attacks by the military forces of the United States of America (USA) and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the assassination of its Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khomenei and over 40 top military officers of the Islamic country,have put a strain on shipping operations along the busy vessel route of Strait of Hormuz as the Houthis militias, who are sympathetic to Iran, have threatened to attack vessels on the route.

Strait of Hormuz accounts for one third of the world shipping passage while the route accommodates the world largest crude tankers , despite its narrow width.

As a result of the threats, which have raised safety concerns on the vessels, cargos and crews, major shipping lines have halted their operations along the route.

Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has halted passage of cargo vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons.

“We are suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” the Danish group said in an online advisory.“The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority,” it said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had earlier announced the Strait’s closure.

Major Middle Eastern oil and gas exporters rely on it to move supplies to international markets while importing nations depend on its uninterrupted operation.

China, one of the biggest destinations of Nigerian importers, make use of the route for import of the crude oil from the Middle East, especially Iran and export of its manufactured goods to the developing countries, especially Nigeria.

This development has raised anxiety among Nigerian importers who expressed concerns over the implications of the disruption on the route one the cost of imports, especially from China.

Headlines

NRC hosts Rotary Club on mobile train

Gloria Odion, Reporter

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has played host to the Rotary Club of Ota by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Rotary fellowship on a moving train, setting a remarkable benchmark for innovation in civic and humanitarian engagement.

The groundbreaking event brought together members of the club aboard a moving train for fellowship, leadership interaction, and strategic discussion centered on service to humanity, climate action, and sustainable community development.

The fellowship was led by the President of the Rotary Club of Ota, Mr. Charles Umukoro, alongside members of the club’s executive and general membership.

A major highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Railway District Manager, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji, who warmly welcomed the Rotarians on board.

His presence underscored the significance of the event and further strengthened the cordial relationship between the railway management and the Rotary Club.

In a symbolic moment reflecting shared values of service and partnership, Engr. Rasheed Adedeji was formally inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Ota following his welcome address, adding prestige and deeper institutional collaboration to the landmark fellowship.

The moving-train fellowship was widely described as symbolic of progress, innovation, and forward movement—values that align closely with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation said it was committed to supporting initiatives that promote national development, environmental sustainability, and community advancement, while showcasing the railway as a safe, modern, and strategic platform for engagement.

Headlines

In Malmo, Sweden, NIMASA renews capacity development partnership with WMU

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years.

“Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management.

“Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments.

WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration, NIMASA ,Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries.

The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement.