Nigeria backs net-zero shipping, seeks equity for emerging economies

Nigeria has called on the global maritime community to ensure fairness, equity, and adequate support for developing economies as the industry accelerates efforts toward net-zero emissions.

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy, made the call while speaking at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

In a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, his special adviser, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the decarbonisation of international shipping, stressing that such commitment is contingent on frameworks that reflect the economic realities and development needs of emerging economies.

Oyetola emphasised that the global target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 must be aligned with broader sustainable development goals, warning that policies that fail to consider disparities in capacity and resources could widen existing inequalities.

Read also:

“Nigeria has called on the global maritime community to prioritise fairness, equity, and adequate support for developing economies in the push toward net-zero emissions in international shipping.

“Speaking at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed the country’s support for decarbonization, stating that such support depends on frameworks that reflect the economic realities of developing nations,” the statement read.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister held strategic engagements with Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary-general of the IMO, and Fawaz Al Sehali, the president of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority.

During the discussions, Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration across key maritime priorities, including maritime security, capacity building, blue economy development, and the pursuit of a fair and inclusive energy transition.

He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the IMO, anchored on shared objectives such as maritime safety, institutional capacity development, and sustainable growth within the blue economy.

Read also: World’s largest shipping line wins 45-year Lagos port deal

Dominguez, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to him during his recent visit to Nigeria, including his meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the engagement as a reflection of Nigeria’s strong commitment to maritime governance.

He also commended Nigeria’s leadership role in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, noting significant progress in curbing piracy and enhancing regional coordination. According to him, Nigeria’s experience offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar challenges.

The discussions also highlighted Nigeria’s expanding role within the IMO Council, ongoing reforms in port modernisation and digitalisation, and efforts to strengthen human capital in line with global maritime standards.

Engagements with Saudi Arabia further underscored growing bilateral relations, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to mutual cooperation and support within the IMO framework.