All eyes will be on 4, Embankment Street, London on Friday, November 28 as Nigeria attempts to leapfrog into the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, category ” C”. This is a high stakes election at the IMO Secretariat in which Nigeria has committed millions of dollars towards an electioneering campaign and lobbying spanning over 20 months. And the message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola , is very clear, ” failure wont be an option”. And the reason behind Mr President’s mandate is obvious. Since 2010, Nigeria has made no fewer than nine unsucssful attempts at this elite club but returned with failure. ” Dont return home without the ” trophy” , President Tinubu was said to have warned Oyetola .
As the D day approaches,Nigeria’s delegation to the 134th Council where members are billed to conduct elections ,intense lobbying has been going on to get the country back into category ” C”, Nigeria’s campaign has been focused on showcasing the country’s achievements in maritime safety , security and reforms .Oyetola has been acitively engaged with delegates at the IMO headquaters in London through events such as lunch receptions to secure votes. The Minister’s appeal to the International community is based on tangibles such as progress in maritime security, particularly improving safety in the Gulf of Guinea , port reforms and the blue economy.Oyetola’s messages to his global audience has been one of partnership and shared responsibility as Nigeria unveils its frame work for a secure maritime order.
There are 20 members in category ” C” .They include Bahamas, Bangladesh, Chile,,Cyprus,Denmark, Egypt and Finland . Others ìnclude Indonesia,Jamaica, Kenya,Malaysia,Malta, Morocco,Mexico,Peru, Singapore and Turkiye.Nigeria will on Friday attempt to displace over one those 20 members and occupy one available slot .Nigeria ‘s last won the category slot in 2009