Nigeria has taken a firm stand at the global maritime decarbonisation negotiations in London, calling on the international community to ensure that the transition to net-zero emissions in international shipping does not impose unfair burdens on developing economies that lack the financial and technological resources to adapt at the same pace as wealthier nations.
Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola delivered Nigeria’s position at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation, reaffirming the country’s support for decarbonisation goals while insisting that any binding framework must reflect the economic realities and development constraints facing nations like Nigeria.
Oyetola held strategic bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the session, engaging IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, strengthening cooperation across key maritime priorities including maritime security, capacity building, and the advancement of a fair and inclusive energy transition.
Dominguez expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to him during his recent visit to Nigeria and his meeting with President Tinubu, describing the engagement as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to maritime governance. He specifically commended Nigeria’s leadership in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, noting significant measurable progress in reducing piracy and improving regional coordination, and describing Nigeria’s experience as offering valuable lessons for other maritime regions facing similar challenges.
The discussions also covered Nigeria’s expanding role within the IMO Council, ongoing reforms in port modernisation and digitalisation, and efforts to strengthen human capital in line with evolving global maritime standards. The engagement with Saudi Arabia reinforced deepening bilateral maritime relations, with both countries committing to mutual support within the IMO framework.
