The United Republic of Tanzania has backed Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, citing strong bilateral relations and Nigeria’s past support as key factors.
This declaration was made during a courtesy visit by the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gervas Kakele, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Wednesday.
During the visit, Kakele reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to fostering strategic maritime cooperation with Nigeria, describing both countries as natural partners with shared aspirations for naval development.
He noted that Tanzania’s support for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid stemmed not only from gratitude for Nigeria’s previous backing of Tanzania’s own IMO aspirations but also from mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s voice on the global maritime stage.
The high commissioner further expressed Tanzania’s eagerness to tap into Nigeria’s experience developing its marine and blue economy sector.
He revealed plans to dispatch a team of Tanzanian maritime experts to Nigeria in the coming months to understudy key government agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
In his response, Oyetola expressed deep appreciation for Tanzania’s backing of Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat on the IMO Council.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s election into Category C would serve national interests and bolster Africa’s collective influence in international maritime governance.
He said, “A seat for Nigeria at the IMO Council is, in essence, a voice for Africa,” Oyetola said. “It means we can collectively advocate safer shipping, sustainable marine resources, and fairer maritime trade practices across our continent. Nigeria’s vast coastline, dynamic port system, and active maritime policies make us a worthy representative of Africa on the global maritime stage.”
Oyetola highlighted the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including efforts to establish a national shipping carrier through a public-private partnership framework.
