IMO Secretary-General Commends Nigeria For Advancing Effective Implementation of IMO legal instruments
By Asuquo Nuwak
IMO Secretary-General Commends Nigeria For Advancing Effective Implementation of IMO legal instruments
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria for strengthening its maritime administration and advancing the effective implementation of IMO legal instruments.
This commendation was contained in a letter dated October 9, 2025, and addressed to the Director-General/CEO, of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, when Mr. Dominguez commended the efforts of the Agency, particularly the impact of the Deep Blue Project in reducing piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
The IMO Secretary-general
stated in a letter that he was particularly pleased to see first-hand the important work being undertaken by NIMASA to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime administration and to advance the effective implementation of IMO instruments.
He said the Agency’s efforts to enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection clearly demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to upholding international standards and supporting the objectives of the International Maritime Organisation.
In the same vein, he said the Deep Blue Project continues to stand out as a major achievement, significantly improving maritime domain awareness and contributing to a safer and more secure Gulf of Guinea.
He therefore encouraged NIMASA to maintain its focus on the long-term sustainability of the project so it may serve as a model for broader regional security frameworks.
Mr. Dominguez equally commended NIMASA’s leadership for Nigeria’s active participation in IMO’s technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes, adding that the Agency’s engagement in key initiatives related to decarbonisation, digitalisation, and seafarer training.
He noted that these efforts are instrumental in ensuring that Nigeria remains a strong example of maritime leadership and an active contributor to the work of the IMO.
He further expressed optimism for continued collaboration between the IMO and NIMASA in advancing shared goals for a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime sector.
Aside from this, the IMO Secretary-General also extended commendations to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his leadership and commitment to the sector.
Dominguez is quoted as saying that: “Nigeria is a strong example of maritime leadership and has always played an important and active role within IMO, contributing meaningfully to the Organization’s work and the advancement of global maritime governance”.
In the words of Dominguez: “I highly value your personal commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors and your strong support for the work of the IMO. I was especially pleased to note the significant progress in maritime education, including the development of the new building for maritime studies at the University of Lagos, as well as the advances achieved through the Deep Blue Project. Your leadership in promoting collaboration on decarbonisation and the transition to greener shipping is also commendable and greatly appreciated.”
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