The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has confirmed receipt of a formal letter of support from the Swiss government for Nigeria’s bid for the Category ‘C’ seat of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026/2027 Biennium elections.
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola received the endorsement from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, during a recent courtesy visit in Abuja. The gesture marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s growing international campaign for the prestigious IMO Council seat.
“This marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s bid,” Oyetola stated. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Federal Government to upholding international standards. Nigeria’s election will contribute to a more robust and sustainable global maritime industry.”
Oyetola emphasized Nigeria’s substantial maritime assets, including a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone extended by 16,300 kilometers to the Continental Shelf. “With such endowment, Nigeria, by any standard, is supposed to be a maritime nation,” he said.
He highlighted the development of a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, crafted in partnership with the World Bank, AU IBAR, the Kingdom of Norway, and other key stakeholders. The policy, he noted, is designed to be resilient and future-ready.
To accelerate growth, the ministry is advancing a public-private partnership model with the government retaining only a token equity stake. Priority areas include revitalizing inland waterways through boat provision, dredging, and improved navigation systems.
Oyetola cited the success of the Deep Blue Project—a maritime surveillance initiative—pointing out that Nigerian waters have remained piracy-free for three consecutive years. “We’re working to sustain this safety and extend it to the Gulf of Guinea through regional collaboration,” he added.
Ambassador Egloff affirmed Switzerland’s support, stating the visit followed a letter from Oyetola in April seeking international backing. “I am very glad to convey this letter of support; Switzerland is very happy to support you; you are a very strong candidate,” Egloff said. “We support your candidacy, your commitment to multilateralism, and your leadership in this vital sector. You’re a very important country.”
With Switzerland’s endorsement, Nigeria’s campaign for the Nigeria IMO Category C seat bid gains stronger diplomatic traction ahead of the October/November 2025 elections. Oyetola expressed appreciation, calling the support a validation of Nigeria’s consistent efforts in advancing global maritime governance.
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