The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has congratulated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, following Nigeria’s successful election into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, describing the victory as a landmark achievement for the nation’s maritime sector.
In a statement signed by MWUN’s Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, the union’s President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, said the minister’s leadership, strategic engagement and commitment were instrumental to Nigeria’s return to the global maritime decision-making body.
Bunu said Oyetola had made the country proud by securing one of the highly coveted IMO council seats, an accomplishment he attributed to “hard work, foresight and the effective mobilisation of a vigorous inter-ministerial campaign team.”
He noted that the minister’s approach surpassed Nigeria’s previous outings in 2011 and 2019, restoring the nation’s visibility and recognition among leading maritime nations of the world.
The MWUN President-General also commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for his support and synergy with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
According to Bunu, the collaboration between both agencies was crucial in achieving the victory at the IMO.
“If all regulatory agencies within the maritime sector can maintain this level of cooperation, the sky will not only be the limit, but a starting point for the industry,” he said.
Describing Oyetola as an “astute administrator with vast knowledge of the maritime space”, Bunu said the minister has already surpassed public expectations since assuming office.
He added that Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council has placed the country on a positive global maritime spotlight, helping to elevate standards across the sector.
“This single achievement has raised Nigeria’s maritime profile internationally and set the stage for broader opportunities in the global maritime economy,” Bunu stated.
