IMO Secretary-General applauds Nigeria’s implementation of maritime safety instruments
— Commends NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project, Oyetola’s leadership in advancing blue economy
By Maureen Aguta
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria for its remarkable strides in maritime governance, praising the country’s effective implementation of IMO instruments and its leadership role in enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
In a letter dated October 9, 2025, and addressed to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Dominguez lauded the Agency’s commitment to strengthening maritime administration and fostering adherence to global maritime standards.
He particularly highlighted the Deep Blue Project — NIMASA’s flagship maritime security initiative — describing it as a model programme that has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and reduced piracy incidents within Nigeria’s territorial waters and across the Gulf of Guinea.
“I 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,” Mr. Dominguez stated.
“Your 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 Organization.”
The IMO chief further encouraged NIMASA to sustain the Deep Blue Project as a long-term, sustainable framework that could serve as a blueprint for broader regional maritime security cooperation across West and Central Africa.
Dominguez also commended Nigeria’s robust participation in IMO’s technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes. He observed that NIMASA’s active involvement in initiatives on decarbonization, digitalization, and seafarer training reflects the country’s growing influence in shaping the global maritime agenda.
“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 said.
The IMO Secretary-General expressed optimism that the collaboration between the IMO and Nigeria would continue to strengthen, advancing shared objectives for a safer, more secure, and sustainable maritime domain.
Dominguez also extended warm commendations to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his leadership and strategic vision in repositioning Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
“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,” Dominguez noted.
“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.”
He cited notable progress in maritime education, including the development of the new building for Maritime Studies at the University of Lagos, as well as Nigeria’s growing leadership in promoting collaboration on decarbonization and the transition to greener shipping practices.
The commendation from the IMO Secretary-General underscores Nigeria’s rising profile as a key maritime nation and a trusted partner in international shipping governance. It also reinforces the country’s reputation for driving innovative solutions to longstanding security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea — a region once regarded as the world’s piracy hotspot.
Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, implemented by NIMASA in collaboration with the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies, has deployed advanced assets — including special mission aircraft, vessels, and armored vehicles — to combat maritime crime and enhance surveillance. The result has been a dramatic reduction in piracy incidents since 2021, earning global recognition and restoring investor confidence in the nation’s maritime trade routes.
Observers say the IMO’s endorsement reflects the international community’s acknowledgment of Nigeria’s commitment to maritime reforms under the current administration and its sustained efforts to align with global safety, security, and environmental benchmarks.
As the world moves toward greener, safer, and more digitalized shipping operations, Dominguez’s letter signals a renewed era of cooperation between Nigeria and the IMO — one aimed at fostering a resilient and sustainable maritime future for Africa and beyond.