Switzerland has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s quest for a Category ‘C’ seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026/2027 biennium.
Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff, delivered the letter of support to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.
“This is a big boost for our campaign,” Oyetola said, hailing the endorsement as proof of Nigeria’s growing influence in the global maritime sector. “With our vast resources and commitment to international standards, Nigeria deserves its place at the IMO table.”
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone, recently expanded by 16,300 kilometres to the continental shelf, stressing that the country is “by any standard, a maritime nation.” He added that a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy has been developed with the support of the World Bank, AU-IBAR, Norway and other partners.
On security, Oyetola pointed to the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has kept Nigerian waters free of piracy for three years. “We are now working to extend that safety across the Gulf of Guinea through stronger regional cooperation,” he said.
Egloff said Switzerland was glad to back Nigeria’s candidacy, describing the country as “a strong candidate and an important partner in global maritime affairs.”
Nigeria’s campaign for the IMO Category ‘C’ Council seat gathers more momentum with the elections due in October/November 2025.
