Net-zero 2050: Nigeria seeks equity for developing economies
Nigeria has intensified its push for a fair and inclusive global shipping transition, urging equity frameworks as the industry races toward net-zero emissions by 2050. At the 84th session of
Nigeria has intensified its push for a fair and inclusive global shipping transition, urging equity frameworks as the industry races toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
At the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, warned that decarbonisation efforts risk marginalising developing economies if financing, technology transfer, and policy structures fail to reflect their economic realities.
Oyetola, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the global net-zero agenda, stressed that the pathway to zero emissions must be aligned with broader sustainable development goals, particularly for emerging maritime nations seeking to balance climate obligations with economic growth.
“Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 must align with sustainable development goals,” the minister stated, underscoring the need for a transition model that does not disproportionately burden developing countries.
Beyond the plenary, Nigeria leveraged the IMO gathering to deepen strategic maritime alliances.
In bilateral talks with the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across maritime safety, institutional capacity building, and sustainable blue economy development.
The discussions also spotlighted Nigeria’s growing influence within global maritime governance, including its expanding role at the IMO Council, ongoing port modernisation and digitalisation reforms, and investments in human capital to meet international standards.
Dominguez, in his remarks, acknowledged Nigeria’s rising profile in maritime administration and security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. He commended the country’s progress in curbing piracy and enhancing regional coordination, noting that Nigeria’s model offers lessons for other maritime regions.
He also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended during his recent visit to Nigeria, including high-level engagements with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a clear signal of Nigeria’s commitment to maritime governance.
On the sidelines of the summit, Oyetola also met with the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, Fawaz Al Sehali, where both parties reinforced bilateral cooperation and pledged mutual support within the IMO framework.
The engagements, according to the minister, are part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to position itself as a key player in shaping global maritime policy while safeguarding the interests of developing economies in the evolving low-carbon shipping regime.
“We remain committed to a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with the IMO,” Oyetola said, adding that Nigeria’s focus remains anchored on maritime safety, capacity development, and sustainable blue economy growth.
With the global shipping industry facing a multi-trillion-dollar transition to cleaner energy, Nigeria’s intervention at MEPC 84, according to industry players, signals a strategic attempt to ensure that Africa and other developing regions are not left behind in what is fast becoming the most consequential transformation in maritime history.
