President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, at his Lagos residence, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and reforms in the blue economy sector.
The courtesy visit, which also had in attendance the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, focused on Nigeria’s role in advancing global maritime safety and harnessing the country’s ocean resources for economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is strategically positioned to be a major hub in global shipping and marine trade, noting that his administration is determined to implement reforms that will unlock the nation’s maritime potential. He assured the IMO Secretary-General of Nigeria’s readiness to align with international maritime standards and strengthen cooperation to address challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and marine pollution.
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“The maritime sector is central to our economic growth, and we are committed to ensuring safety, security, and sustainability in line with global best practices,” President Tinubu said. “Our blue economy vision is not only about trade but also about creating jobs, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity for coastal communities.”
In his remarks, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised Nigeria’s progress in tackling piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged the country’s leadership role in regional maritime security. He assured the President of the IMO’s continued support in capacity building, safety regulations, and technology transfer, adding that Nigeria’s success is critical to international shipping stability.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, described the meeting as a turning point for Nigeria’s maritime industry, saying the ministry is focused on implementing policies that will drive revenue generation, boost trade, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness. He noted that Nigeria’s vast coastline and waterways remain largely underutilized, but with stronger collaboration, the blue economy could emerge as a major pillar of the national economy.
Also speaking, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola highlighted ongoing reforms within the agency, including improved surveillance systems, enforcement of safety standards, and partnerships with international stakeholders. He assured the President and the IMO that NIMASA will continue to align its operations with global practices to boost investor confidence and secure Nigeria’s waterways.
The visit comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy, with the blue economy identified as a key growth area. Experts believe that stronger collaboration with the IMO will enhance Nigeria’s shipping infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and expand opportunities for seafarers and maritime businesses.
President Tinubu’s meeting with the IMO Secretary-General underscores his administration’s broader vision to leverage Nigeria’s maritime assets for sustainable development, job creation, and regional leadership in global trade.