The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, has lauded Nigeria’s remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly its success in maintaining zero piracy incidents for more than three years.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s groundbreaking Deep Blue Project, describing it as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Domínguez made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He noted that Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have 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 for the wider West and Central African region.
The IMO Boss acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organisation outlining its national and regional security initiatives. While commending the progress made, he stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and the acquisition of modern equipment.
He assured that the 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 be held 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 ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.
Domínguez commended Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably.
On his part, the Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in his address, said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body, while noting that Nigeria’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He appreciated 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. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, 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.
The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.
Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, 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.
He stated that the country’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.