As Academy Rector, Cadets Engage With Arsenio Dominguez

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez, who is on a working visit to Nigeria,  has lauded the country’s remarkable achievements in maritime security, particularly its success in recording zero piracy incidents for over three years and the groundbreaking Deep Blue Project, which he described as a model for regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.

Interacting with Nigeria’s  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. the IMO Scribe noted that Nigeria’s investment in maritime safety infrastructure and the collaboration of its security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, have yielded tangible results in combating piracy and maritime crimes.

“These efforts demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to ensuring safer seas, not just for its own waters but for the wider West and Central African region” Arsenio Dominguez said

The IMO chief acknowledged Nigeria’s recent submission to the organization outlining its national and regional security initiatives. He stressed the need for continued support in infrastructure development and acquisition of modern equipment. He promised that the IMO would remain committed to providing technical assistance through awareness campaigns, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

While highlighting the organization’s ongoing projects, Mr. Domínguez referenced a regional conference scheduled to hold in Ghana in January on the Safe Seas Project, designed to consolidate contributions from Nigeria and other partner states. He also announced ongoing discussions with the European Union aimed at launching a new maritime governance project focused on ports and security, as well as two regional projects in Southern and Western Africa where progress would be tracked through defined indicators.

Beyond security, Mr. Domínguez emphasized the need for countries to prepare for wider global challenges including the energy transition, the adoption of biofuels, and financing mechanisms to support training of seafarers, infrastructure development and the adoption of future fuels.

He lauded Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy as a forward-looking initiative for harnessing marine resources sustainably and expressed admiration for the facilities at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, especially the training infrastructure. He encouraged greater collaboration between the Academy, the Ministry of Education and industry stakeholders to guide young Nigerians in pursuing maritime careers.

Minister Oyetola, in his address, said the IMO chief’s visit reflected the strength of Nigeria’s relationship with the global maritime body. He noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders had been pivotal in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and reaffirmed the country’s determination to consolidate recent gains and expand opportunities in the marine and blue economy. He thanked Mr. Domínguez for choosing Nigeria for the visit and expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, presentations were delivered by top government officials and key stakeholders in the sector. The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives in security, seafarer welfare and regulatory frameworks aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation.

The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, showcased the academy’s modern training facilities and underscored the importance of international partnerships in cadet exchange and simulator-based training.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (third left); Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Domínguez (third right) with other officials and cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, during the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to Nigeria.

Mr. Domínguez also interacted with cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, urging them to embrace emerging opportunities in the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy, green shipping and maritime technology.

The Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Mr. Wang Qiang, outlined the port’s role in boosting Nigeria’s cargo handling capacity, creating jobs and attracting long-term foreign investments.

Mr. Domingues reaffirmed IMO’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to strengthen maritime safety, enhance governance structures, and drive the sustainable growth of the blue economy, noting that the country’s achievements already serve as a model of excellence for Africa and beyond.