Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, earlier today received the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, who conveyed Tanzania’s formal support for Nigeria’s bid for a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C.

The endorsement is part of a broader alignment between the two countries on maritime governance and regional cooperation. Oyetola, who formerly served as governor of Osun State, described Nigeria’s campaign for a council seat as not only a national ambition but also a platform to advance African interests in global maritime policy.

“A seat for Nigeria at the IMO is a voice for Africa — to champion safer shipping, sustainable marine resources, and fairer maritime trade,” the minister said following the meeting in Abuja.

Tanzania also expressed interest in Nigeria’s evolving maritime development model and plans to send a technical delegation to engage with relevant agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The move reflects increasing recognition of Nigeria’s recent maritime reforms, which aim to unlock the potential of the blue economy through port modernisation, regulatory streamlining, and investment in inland waterways and marine infrastructure.

Since its creation in 2023, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has prioritised sustainable development of Nigeria’s maritime assets. The administration has placed particular emphasis on improving port competitiveness, enhancing maritime security, and expanding capacity across shipbuilding, fisheries, and logistics.

Both Nigeria and Tanzania have considerable maritime interests and coastlines critical to trade and economic growth in their respective subregions. As African states seek to improve their representation in international maritime forums, strategic coordination such as this may contribute to a more coherent continental stance on shipping regulations, ocean governance, and blue economy investment.

The Nigerian government views its IMO council bid as part of a wider strategy to project influence in maritime policymaking and position the country as a regional maritime hub. Tanzania’s support is seen in Abuja as a step towards building consensus across the continent.