The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, on Wednesday, May 21, to discuss ways to deepen maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Oyetola appealed for France’s support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
Nigeria’s council membership would strengthen international maritime regulation and promote sustainability.
He highlighted Nigeria’s success in combating maritime insecurity, particularly in reducing piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea, through the Deep Blue Project and inter-agency coordination.
“The policy offers a comprehensive framework for sustainably managing marine resources, promoting growth, creating jobs, and protecting the environment, ‘: said.
On his part, Marc Fonbaustier, said “the meeting marks a key moment in Nigeria’s maritime diplomacy and highlights the need for international cooperation for oceanic progress.”
The duo discussed Nigeria’s role in upcoming World Oceans Day celebrations and preparations for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.
The conference, co-chaired by France and Costa Rica, would adopt the theme “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean” from June 8 to June 13.
Nigeria and France have a history of joint maritime exercises aimed at combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. Recent joint operations include, exercise Crocodile Lift and Grand African NEMO 2023 among others.
