As Nigeria prepares to re-enter the Category C council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has declared its full support, describing the country’s return as long overdue. This endorsement comes amid growing international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in maritime safety, governance, and blue economy initiatives.
Speaking in Lagos, President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, praised the significant strides made by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in restoring peace and enhancing safety in Nigerian territorial waters. He noted that these achievements position Nigeria as a deserving candidate for a seat on the IMO Council, which plays a critical role in shaping global maritime policies.
Bunu emphasized that Nigeria’s restored maritime stability, especially in the Gulf of Guinea—a region once plagued by piracy and armed robbery at sea—is evidence of strong leadership and effective policy implementation.
“We now have peace on our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated.
He credited NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project and other maritime security interventions as the bedrock of this transformation. These measures have not only improved maritime domain awareness but have also made Nigerian waters safer for international shipping.
The union pledged to leverage its global networks to mobilize international support for Nigeria’s IMO bid. MWUN is affiliated with several international maritime unions and organizations, which Bunu said would be instrumental in lobbying for Nigeria’s return to the council.
“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa,” Bunu declared.
The MWUN leader also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a visionary move that reflects the evolving dynamics of global maritime economies.
“The creation of the ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space,” he said.
The ministry, under the leadership of Adegboyega Oyetola, has initiated reforms targeting port efficiency, marine resource development, and sustainable ocean governance—all of which contribute to Nigeria’s credibility in seeking an international maritime leadership role.
As the global maritime community prepares to mark the 2025 Day of the Seafarer under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” MWUN reaffirmed its advocacy for the welfare of Nigerian seafarers. Bunu stressed the importance of decent working conditions and continued collaboration with maritime stakeholders to ensure industrial harmony, especially within the dock labour sub-sector.
“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources,” he noted.
Nigeria’s bid to return to the IMO Council has received robust backing from stakeholders like MWUN, signaling a unified national front driven by substantial progress in maritime safety, governance, and economic potential. With improved coastal security, strategic policy direction, and growing regional influence, Nigeria’s quest for a place on the IMO Council reflects its ambition to contribute meaningfully to global maritime decision-making.