NIGERIA, FRANCE DEEPEN MARITIME, OCEAN TIES.

Nigeria and France are initiating moves to strengthen maritime relations between the two countries. 

This followed a meeting between the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier.

The meeting focused on Nigeria's bid for Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council and upcoming global ocean conferences.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria's leadership in West and Central Africa's maritime sector and sought France's support for the IMO Council bid.

Oyetola emphasized Nigeria's commitment to maritime security, blue economy innovation, and sustainable ocean management, citing recent successes in combating maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. 

He also outlined the country's newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which aligns with global ocean agendas and Sustainable Development Goal-14.