- Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, an assistant to the IMO Secretary-General, Alice Montonorelle, and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Dominguez’s working visit to Nigeria…Thursday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, has noted as remarkable Nigeria’s achievements in maritime security, particularly its zero piracy record for over three years, and its Deep Blue Project, describing it as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Domínguez, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.
A statement from the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, cited the IMO chief as noting that these efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas for the entire West and Central African region.
Domínguez acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the IMO, which outlined its national and regional security initiatives. Commending the progress made so far, he stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment.
He assured of the organisation’s commitment to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, a regional conference on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate the contributions from Nigeria and other partner states, is scheduled for Ghana in January 2026.
He further announced ongoing discussions with the European Union for a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa, where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.
Meanwhile, beyond security, Domínguez emphasised the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges, including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms to support training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels.
He praised Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, especially the training infrastructure.
He further urged greater collaboration between the academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.
On his part, Oyetola said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body, even as he reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to consolidate recent maritime security gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy.
Thanking Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit, Oyetola expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In his presentation at the occasion, the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.
Also making a presentation, the Ag. Rector of MAN, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training, while the Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.
Meanwhile, Domínguez reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy.
He also urged the MAN Oron cadets to embrace the emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.
