- After 14 Years, Nigeria Reclaims Place in IMO Decision-Making Body
- Oyetola described the victory as a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the international community has in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Oyetola expressed gratitude to the international maritime community for its trust
Nigeria has been elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, securing a return to the global maritime decision-making body after a 14-year absence.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the election took place on Friday during the IMO General Assembly in London, marking a major diplomatic victory for the country and restoring Nigeria’s position among leading maritime nations.
EDITOR’S PICK
- FCT Court Rejects EFCC Witnesses in Emefiele Trial
- Tems Reveals Alternate Career Path Before Music Fame
- Lamido Holds Emergency PDP Stakeholders Meeting Amid Party Crisis
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s delegation, said the achievement crowns over 12 months of intensive diplomatic engagements, targeted advocacy missions and strategic consultations with member states and maritime blocs.
According to his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola described the victory as a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the international community has in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Countries Elected
Nigeria joins Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa in Category C, which comprises nations with special interests in maritime transport or navigation.
Category B, representing countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, includes Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UAE.
Category A, made up of the world’s largest providers of international shipping services, elected China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
“Nigeria is back, stronger and more strategic” — Oyetola
The minister said the election is a major boost to Nigeria’s international maritime profile, reflecting global recognition of the country’s recent reforms and security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.
“This victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy,” Oyetola said.
“Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back stronger, more strategic, and ready to contribute meaningfully to global maritime safety, shipping governance and ocean sustainability.”
He attributed the success to President Tinubu’s unwavering support, noting that “Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource needed to prosecute this campaign.”
Oyetola also expressed gratitude to the international maritime community for its trust, saying Nigeria would serve “with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.”
He further commended the Technical Committee of Experts, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, for their strategic coordination and dedication throughout the campaign.
