Nigerian President Signs Six Key IMO Conventions, Enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime Standards

President Bola Tinubu has formally signed instruments of accession to six major Conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), marking a significant step in aligning Nigeria’s maritime sector with international standards. The move, announced on Wednesday by Osagie Edward, Head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

According to Edward, President Tinubu’s decision will allow Nigeria to officially deposit these instruments at the IMO headquarters in London, which serves as the official repository for such international conventions. This action is seen as a bold step toward improving maritime governance and advancing Nigeria’s status within the global maritime community.

President Tinubu emphasized that these accessions are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime regulatory framework, ensuring the nation upholds the highest standards in safety, environmental stewardship, and security. “By aligning with these international standards, we aim to bolster the nation’s maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship,” he said.

The six conventions signed by the President include protocols targeting enhanced security for offshore installations, establishing training standards for personnel on fishing vessels, addressing pollution response measures for substances beyond oil, revising liability limits for maritime claims, enhancing passenger rights and safety during sea travel, and regulating ship recycling to minimize environmental impacts.

The instruments of accession were formally presented by President Tinubu to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, and NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola. The President commended the Minister’s efforts in facilitating this achievement, noting that these instruments had awaited formal ratification for several years.

“These conventions had been pending in the Ministry for the past six to eight years,” President Tinubu noted. “Thanks to the diligence of the Minister, we are now able to take this landmark step for Nigeria’s maritime future.”

Minister Oyetola expressed his appreciation for the President’s support, assuring industry stakeholders that Nigeria’s maritime policies will continue to align with global standards. “By signing these conventions, the President has demonstrated our commitment to taking a leading role in international maritime affairs,” Oyetola said.

Dr. Mobereola echoed this sentiment, stating that the ratifications would enhance Nigeria’s standing in the international maritime community. He noted that the Ministry, in collaboration with NIMASA, would swiftly deposit these instruments at the IMO, marking Nigeria’s compliance with these crucial global standards.

“This achievement underscores Nigeria’s determined efforts to solidify its role as a responsible maritime nation,” Dr. Mobereola said. “As we move forward, the Nigerian maritime industry can expect greater engagement and recognition from international stakeholders.”

By ratifying these conventions, Nigeria joins a select group of nations dedicated to upholding the highest standards in maritime governance. This landmark achievement is widely seen as a testament to President Tinubu’s vision for a secure, sustainable, and internationally respected maritime sector.