Nigeria Re-Elected to IMO Council After 14 Years
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, describing the country’s election as a clear endorsement of its expanding role and credibility in global maritime affairs.
Nigeria secured a seat in Category C for the 2026–2027 term during the IMO General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28.
The victory marks the nation’s re-entry into the Council after more than a decade away from the organisation’s core decision-making platform.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the outcome demonstrates the world’s confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, security, and compliance with international shipping standards.
He commended Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officials of the ministry, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the country’s diplomatic corps for their sustained engagement and strategic coordination throughout the campaign.
Highlighting the broader implications of the Council seat, Tinubu noted that the new mandate reinforces his administration’s agenda to fully harness the blue economy, advance port and maritime infrastructure, scale up anti-piracy measures, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime gateway in West and Central Africa.
He assured IMO member states that Nigeria would remain a dependable partner in advancing safer waterways, cleaner marine environments, efficient shipping operations, and fairer global maritime governance.
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to all nations that voted in Nigeria’s favour, promising that the country would uphold the trust placed in it through active contribution and responsible leadership on the Council.
With this re-election, Nigeria now joins 19 other countries in Category C—reserved for states with substantial interest in maritime transport and navigation—reinforcing its profile as an emerging maritime power on the continent.
Reacting to the development, Oyetola described the achievement as a significant validation of the administration’s reforms, noting that months of targeted diplomacy and international outreach paved the way for Nigeria’s success. “We have gained the world’s renewed trust. Our task now is to deepen ongoing reforms, fortify our institutions, and ensure Nigeria fully asserts itself as a dominant maritime nation,” the minister stated.
