The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Domínguez, has praised Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, disclosing that the country has maintained a record of zero piracy incidents in its coastal waters for over three consecutive years.
Domínguez, who arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
He lauded Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, describing it as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
Highlighting the nation’s maritime achievements, Oyetola attributed the success to strategic investments in maritime safety infrastructure and effective coordination among security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Navy. According to the minister, these combined efforts underscore Nigeria’s leadership and dedication to ensuring maritime safety not only within its territorial waters but across the broader West and Central African region.
During the visit, Domínguez acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the IMO, which detailed its national and regional maritime security initiatives. While recognising the strides made, he emphasised the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure and the procurement of modern equipment to consolidate gains.
Key stakeholders in the maritime sector also delivered presentations during the visit. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, outlined ongoing reforms in maritime security, seafarer welfare, and regulatory frameworks, all aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s position as a global maritime leader.
In addition, Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, showcased the academy’s advanced training infrastructure, stressing the need for stronger international collaboration in cadet exchange programmes and simulator-based training. The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Wang Qiang, highlighted the port’s contribution to Nigeria’s cargo capacity expansion, job creation, and its appeal to long-term foreign investors.
Domínguez also engaged with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, encouraging them to explore emerging opportunities in renewable energy, green shipping, and maritime technology. He reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria to enhance maritime governance, improve safety structures, and support the sustainable growth of the blue economy, noting that the country’s recent milestones position it as a continental benchmark.
