Nigeria Pushes for Fairness in Global Net-Zero Shipping Drive at IMO Talks
Nigeria has urged the international maritime community to ensure fairness and equity as the global shipping industry moves toward net-zero emissions. The appeal was made at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, where Nigeria outlined its position on the energy transition in shipping.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for decarbonising international shipping. However, he stressed that such progress must be backed by frameworks that reflect the economic realities of developing countries, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the transition.
Oyetola warned that while the global target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is important, it must be balanced with sustainable development goals. He noted that policies which ignore differences in infrastructure, financing, and technical capacity could deepen inequality within the global maritime sector rather than solve it.
On the sidelines of the conference, Nigeria also strengthened diplomatic and industry ties through high-level engagements with Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, and Fawaz Al Sehali, President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority. Discussions focused on maritime security, blue economy development, capacity building, and ensuring a just energy transition for all nations.
Dominguez commended Nigeria’s progress in maritime governance, especially its role in improving security in the Gulf of Guinea and reducing piracy incidents. He also highlighted Nigeria’s reforms in port modernisation, digitalisation, and human capital development, noting that its experience continues to offer valuable lessons for other maritime nations. The engagements further reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence within global maritime policy discussions, alongside its commitment to deeper cooperation with partners including Saudi Arabia.
source: Business day