WorldStage– Nigeria has been successfully elected back into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C, ending a 14-year absence.
The election for the 2026–2027 term took place in London on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Nigeria secured a seat in Category C, which is for nations with “special interests in maritime transport or navigation” and aims to ensure representation of all major geographic areas.
The new term on the Council will run from 2026 to 2027.
Nigeria joins 19 other countries in this category, including South Africa, Singapore, Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The successful campaign was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and involved over a year of strategic diplomacy and global engagement.
Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is seen as beneficial for the country’s maritime and blue economy, potentially leading to stronger international partnerships and improved access to technical support.
The Minister viewed the election as a sign of international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime security efforts.
Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s campaign, said the victory crowns over twelve months of intensive diplomacy shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.
Speaking moments after the results were declared, Dr Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to him, “This victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of His Excellency President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”
The Minister emphasised that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.
“Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back — stronger, more strategic and more determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance.
“We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility,” he said.
Dr Oyetola expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the full support that made the campaign successful despite the highly competitive nature of the election.
“Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource we needed to prosecute this campaign.
“His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” he noted.
He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, affirming that the results demonstrate broad trust in the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
“The world has stood with us, and we do not take this for granted. Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he pledged.
The Minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging their strategic coordination, meticulous planning and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s success.
TINUBU’S REACTION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Nigeria’s election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium as a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.
Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the IMO Council at the election took place during the organisation’s General Assembly in London, on Friday, November 28, after a 14-year absence.
While welcoming Nigeria’s success, President Tinubu said it reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.
The President applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the staff of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their dedication, strategic engagement, and professionalism throughout the election process.
President Tinubu noted that the new IMO Council mandate aligns with his administration’s drive to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives, and improve the nation’s standing as a regional shipping hub.
He assured the global maritime community of Nigeria’s readiness to partner with it to ensure safer seas, cleaner oceans, more efficient maritime transport systems, and to champion cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.
The President thanked member states for their support and goodwill, pledging that Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.
