The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged France to deepen its maritime and diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
He recently had his say after hosting the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, at his Abuja office.
Ambassador Fonbaustier, who came alongside Ms. Alice Ellenbogen, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy in Nigeria, visited the Ministry to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), set to take place in Nice, France, from June 8 to 13, 2025.
Minister Oyetola, who is leading the country’s delegation to the event on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, advocated for France’s support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the IMO Council later this year.
He revealed that Nigeria, as the leading maritime country in West and Central Africa, has played a key role in promoting maritime safety, regional security, and ocean governance.
According to him, Nigeria’s membership in the IMO Council will go a long way towards reinforcing its contributions to international maritime regulation and sustainability, particularly at a time when global partnership is key to tackling the serious problems troubling the world’s oceans.
Announcing the recent approval of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council, Oyetola said that the new policy will offer a comprehensive framework to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources, aid economic growth, create employment, and guarantee environmental protection.
He further emphasised that the policy works in tandem with the global ocean agenda and aids the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving the use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Oyetola also mentioned the country’s landmark achievements in maritime security, especially in battling piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.
He maintained that through coordinated initiatives like the Deep Blue Project and improved inter-agency collaboration, the country has erased piracy incidents, thereby transforming the Gulf of Guinea into a safe maritime corridor for international shipping and trade.
Responding, Ambassador Fonbaustier hailed President Tinubu for participating in UNOC3 via his Minister. He reiterated that France is looking forward to extending more partnerships with the African nation that will lead to the sustainability of marine life.
