The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has sought the support of France as Nigeria intensified its campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
Oyetola sought the support of the French country when he received the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, in his office on Wednesday Abuja.
Fonbaustier, who was accompanied by Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, was in the Ministry to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled to take place in Nice, France.
Oyetola in a statement issued Wednesday by his Media and Communications Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, emphasised that Nigeria, as the leading maritime nation in West and Central Africa and a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, has played a pivotal role in advancing maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance.
He noted that Nigeria’s membership in the IMO Council would reinforce its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability, especially at a time when global collaboration is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing the world’s oceans.
Responding, Fonbaustier said France looks forward to Nigeria’s robust engagement at the conference and to furthering bilateral cooperation in marine sustainability, security, and development.
The meeting marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s maritime diplomacy and underscores the strategic importance of international collaboration as nations prepare to convene in Nice to chart a new course for the future of the ocean.