MOWCA mobilises 25 countries to back Nigeria’s bid for IMO Category C

The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) said it is currently mobilising support from its 25 member states to vote for Nigeria in the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C election scheduled for later this year.

The Secretary-General of MOWCA, Dr Paul Adalikwu, disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has formally reached out to the organisation for support, expressing optimism that member states will rally behind Nigeria’s bid.

Speaking with maritime journalists in Lagos, Adalikwu noted that Nigeria last secured a seat in the IMO Category C in 2011 and has since contested four more times without success.

“We hope that with all critical stakeholders coming together, Nigeria stands a very good chance of reclaiming this seat. The Ministry has contacted MOWCA, and I am actively engaging with our 25 member countries to secure a bloc vote for Nigeria,” he stated.

Speaking on efforts to address the harassment of seafarers, Adalikwu affirmed that MOWCA is working in collaboration with international partners to promote the welfare and safety of maritime workers.

“The IMO is our global sister institution in this regard. MOWCA is partnering with the IMO to ensure that effective measures are implemented to reduce, if not eliminate, the harassment of seafarers, particularly women.

“We are working closely with key stakeholders, especially the IMO in London, to ensure this menace is brought to an end,” he concluded.

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