Nigeria pushes for fairness in global shipping net-zero drive at IMO meeting

Nigeria has urged the global maritime community to embed fairness, equity, and stronger support mechanisms for developing economies as the industry intensifies efforts to achieve net-zero emissions in international shipping.

The appeal was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, while addressing stakeholders at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global decarbonisation goals in the maritime sector. However, he stressed that such commitments must be matched with frameworks that reflect the economic realities, infrastructural gaps, and developmental priorities of emerging economies.

Oyetola cautioned that while the global shipping industry targets net-zero emissions by 2050, implementation strategies must align with broader sustainable development objectives. He warned that policies that fail to account for disparities in technological capacity and financing could deepen global inequality within the maritime ecosystem.

“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,” the statement noted, adding that Nigeria’s position at MEPC 84 reinforces its advocacy for a just and inclusive energy transition.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Oyetola held strategic discussions with the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, as well as Fawaz Al Sehali, President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority. The engagements focused on strengthening international cooperation across maritime security, capacity building, blue economy development, and the transition toward cleaner energy in shipping.

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The minister reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the IMO in areas such as maritime safety, institutional strengthening, and sustainable blue economy growth. He also highlighted ongoing domestic reforms, including port modernisation, digitalisation initiatives, and human capital development aimed at aligning Nigeria’s maritime sector with global standards.

In response, Dominguez expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality during his recent visit, which included engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described Nigeria’s commitment to maritime governance as significant and commended its leadership role in improving security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that Nigeria’s efforts in curbing piracy and enhancing regional maritime coordination have become a reference point for other regions facing similar challenges.

The discussions also reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence within IMO governance structures, as well as its expanding role in shaping global maritime policy. Both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation within the IMO framework, particularly on issues relating to sustainable shipping, energy transition, and maritime investment.

Nigeria’s intervention at MEPC 84 underscores its broader strategy of positioning itself as a key stakeholder in global maritime governance while advocating for a balanced transition that does not disadvantage developing economies in the shift toward greener shipping.