By John Ikani
Again, Nigeria has lost its bid for election into Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
This development, would again deny Nigeria the pivotal role of contributing in taking key decisions in the global maritime space.
Nigeria had lost consecutively in 2009, 2011, and 2017. In 2019, the nation went all out, but lost again.
Preparations for 2021 IMO Council election had been on since the beginning of this year with many strategies and campaign mechanism targeted at clinching that seat, but unfortunately Nigeria lost the election again for the fifth consecutive time.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Transport, Gbemisola Saraki who was expected to meet with ministers from the 175 IMO member countries to canvass for support for Nigeria at the election could not travel due to the restriction.
The new members of Category ‘C’ are Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and Vanuatu.
Joining Nigeria as losers are: South Africa, Kuwait and Peru. The new entrants are: Vanatu, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Winners in Category ‘A’ are China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Winners in Category ‘B’ are: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
