Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has met with the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier and called for France support in the International Maritime Organisation.
The engagement came as Nigeria intensified its campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, an ambition the minister firmly anchored during the meeting.
Special adviser to the minister on media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, said during the meeting, Oyetola made a strong case for France’s support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the IMO Council later this year.
He emphasised that Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance.
He stated that Nigeria’s membership in the IMO Council would reinforce its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability, especially at a time when global collaboration is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing the world’s oceans.
Oyetola informed the French envoy of the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council.
The new policy, he said, provides a comprehensive framework to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and promote environmental protection.
He explained that the policy aligns with the global ocean agenda and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
In response, Fonbaustier praised the decision of President Tinubu to participate in UNOC3 through the leadership of Oyetola.
The Ambassador noted that France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to furthering bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development.
Ambassador Fonbaustier, who was accompanied by Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, was in the ministry to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 8 to 13, 2025.
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