By RismadarVoice Reporter
November 29, 2025
Nigeria on Friday achieved a major diplomatic milestone as it was elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking the country’s return to the global maritime governance table after a 14-year absence.
The election, conducted during the IMO General Assembly in London, restores Nigeria to a position it last occupied in 2011, an achievement widely regarded as a boost to the country’s standing within the global maritime community.
The IMO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, oversees international shipping with emphasis on maritime safety, security and the prevention of marine pollution.
With its election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C, reserved for countries with special interests in international shipping and maritime transport, further cementing its growing influence as an emerging maritime hub in Africa.
Announcing the outcome, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s delegation and diplomatic campaign, described the victory as a “landmark endorsement of Nigeria’s maritime reforms and global engagement efforts.”
Speaking moments after the results were announced, Oyetola said Nigeria’s success reflected renewed global confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, maritime sector reforms and security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea.
“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 President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy,” he said.
He stressed that the election signals a strengthened and more strategic Nigeria ready to contribute meaningfully to global ocean governance.
“Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back—stronger, more strategic and more determined to shape the future of maritime safety, shipping and sustainable ocean governance,” he added.
Oyetola expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the full support granted throughout the campaign, noting that the President’s engagement opened critical diplomatic doors and boosted Nigeria’s global goodwill.
He also praised the international maritime community for its support, pledging that Nigeria would serve with integrity and commitment.
The minister commended the Technical Committee of Experts, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, for their strategic coordination and meticulous planning throughout the campaign.
With the election concluded, Nigeria now stands alongside other Category C members, including Egypt, Singapore, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, Malaysia, the Philippines, Malta, and Belgium, among others.
Category B seats, representing major seaborne trading nations, went to countries such as France, Brazil, Germany, India, and the UAE.
Category A, comprising the world’s leading shipping services providers, includes China, Greece, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and Liberia.
Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is expected to bring multiple benefits to the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, including enhanced international partnerships, expanded access to technical support, increased investor confidence and strengthened regional leadership in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We have earned the world’s confidence. Now we must deepen our reforms, strengthen our institutions and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading maritime nation,” Oyetola concluded.
