The United Republic of Tanzania has officially endorsed Nigeria’s candidacy for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. The endorsement underscores strengthening ties between the two African nations and highlights their shared commitment to maritime development across the continent.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Selestine Gervas Kakele, to Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the visit, High Commissioner Kakele described Nigeria and Tanzania as “natural maritime partners” with shared goals, noting that Tanzania’s support is rooted in Nigeria’s previous backing of its own IMO Council aspirations and a broader Pan-African vision for maritime influence.
“We’re not only reciprocating Nigeria’s past goodwill,” Kakele stated, “but also investing in a future where Africa can speak with one voice on global maritime issues.”
Kakele further announced Tanzania’s plans to send a team of maritime professionals to Nigeria in the coming months. Their mission: to understudy Nigeria’s marine institutions and learn from the country’s emerging blue economy strategies. This move signifies Tanzania’s intent to strengthen its own maritime infrastructure by tapping into Nigeria’s expanding expertise in areas such as port operations, maritime safety, and marine resource management.
Responding to the Tanzanian delegation, Minister Oyetola expressed gratitude for the endorsement, saying Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council would amplify not only its national voice but Africa’s collective maritime interests.
“A seat for Nigeria is a seat for Africa,” Oyetola said. “It gives our continent stronger leverage to influence key global maritime policies—especially in areas such as safer shipping, fair trade regulations, and sustainable marine development.”
The Minister also spoke about Nigeria’s ongoing initiatives under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, including plans to establish a national shipping carrier in collaboration with the private sector. He emphasized the importance of Africa’s maritime economies working in synergy, particularly under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We must unlock the full potential of Africa’s waters through strategic cooperation,” he noted. “This partnership with Tanzania reflects our vision for regional collaboration in maritime trade and resource development.”
Minister Oyetola used the opportunity to encourage mutual investment between both countries. He invited Tanzanian investors to explore Nigeria’s blue economy sector while also pledging to support Nigerian businesses interested in maritime opportunities in Tanzania.
The visiting delegation included Tanzanian officials such as Minister Plenipotentiary Allen Kuzilwa and Minister Counsellor Philbert Peter. On Nigeria’s side, top marine officials were in attendance, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; and Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede.
Nigeria’s bid for Category C status within the IMO Council comes at a critical time when the country is seeking to bolster its international presence in global maritime governance. Category C membership is reserved for nations with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, making Nigeria—with its vast coastline, busy ports, and growing marine economy—a strong contender.
With Tanzania’s endorsement, Nigeria’s diplomatic push gains more momentum ahead of the IMO elections, reinforcing the idea that intra-African support is vital in shaping the continent’s global maritime footprint.