Forty nations, including Nigeria, held a virtual meeting yesterday to discuss restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran's threat to close the strategic waterway. The gathering was convened as tensions escalate in the Middle East over shipping access, with the strait serving as a critical route for global oil exports. No joint statement was issued after the meeting, and details of specific proposals or outcomes were not disclosed. Nigeria's participation underscores its alignment with international efforts to safeguard maritime routes, even though the country does not border the Persian Gulf. The meeting included major maritime powers and energy-dependent states concerned about disruptions to global trade.