Nigeria’s campaign for a seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council received a significant boost yesterday as Switzerland formally endorsed the country’s bid for the Category ‘C’ seat for the 2026/2027 biennium.
The endorsement, conveyed during a courtesy visit by Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, signals growing international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime leadership and commitment to multilateral engagement.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, welcomed the letter of support, describing it as a “major step forward” in Nigeria’s bid.
He emphasized that the backing reflects the nation’s increasing influence in global maritime governance and its readiness to contribute to a more robust and sustainable maritime sector.
“I am grateful for Switzerland’s endorsement. It is a testament to the Federal Government’s dedication to upholding international maritime standards and ensuring that Nigeria’s waters remain safe, productive, and strategically managed,” Oyetola stated.
Nigeria’s maritime potential is considerable.
The country possesses a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, extending further by an additional 16,300 kilometers to the continental shelf, positioning it as a natural maritime powerhouse in Africa.
Minister Oyetola highlighted that this endowment necessitates a strategic approach to maritime governance, investment, and security to fully harness its economic benefits.
The government, in partnership with global institutions including the World Bank, the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and the Kingdom of Norway, has developed a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
This policy focuses on sustainable maritime development, job creation, industrialization, and the promotion of private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Under this model, the government retains minimal equity while private investors drive sectoral growth.
Key areas of focus include inland waterways development, dredging operations, navigational infrastructure enhancement, and the modernization of port facilities.
On maritime security, Minister Oyetola praised the success of the Deep Blue Project—a state-of-the-art surveillance and waterways protection initiative.
Launched to curb piracy and enhance maritime safety, the project has contributed to a three-year period without reported piracy incidents within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The initiative also aims to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, extending security coverage to the Gulf of Guinea and promoting safer regional trade routes.
Ambassador Egloff, in his remarks, affirmed Switzerland’s support for Nigeria’s candidacy, noting that the endorsement followed a formal request submitted by the Ministry in April 2025.
“Switzerland recognizes Nigeria as a strong candidate for the IMO Council. We support your commitment to multilateralism and your proactive efforts to develop the maritime sector sustainably.
Nigeria’s leadership in this area is crucial for regional and global maritime governance,” Egloff said.
The endorsement is expected to amplify Nigeria’s international momentum as IMO elections, scheduled for October/November 2025, approach.
Analysts note that the support from a major European partner like Switzerland not only boosts Nigeria’s campaign credibility but also signals growing confidence in the country’s maritime policies, regulatory frameworks, and adherence to international standards.
Nigeria’s campaign aligns with broader national strategies to harness the Blue Economy for sustainable growth.
The sector is poised to generate substantial revenue, create employment opportunities, and enhance regional trade connectivity.
With Switzerland’s endorsement, Nigeria is better positioned to leverage international partnerships, attract investment, and secure technical expertise necessary to meet global maritime obligations.
Minister Oyetola reiterated that securing a seat on the IMO Council will allow Nigeria to influence global maritime policies, strengthen compliance with safety and environmental standards, and promote sustainable economic growth within the sector.
“Nigeria’s maritime future is bright. Our commitment to sustainable development, security, and international cooperation underscores our readiness to serve effectively on the IMO Council,” he said.
As the 2026/2027 IMO Council elections draw closer, Nigeria’s campaign continues to gain traction, signaling a historic opportunity for the country to assert itself as a leading maritime nation on the global stage.