Nigeria has secured a historic return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 14 years, following its election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium at the IMO General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The landmark victory was spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who led the country’s campaign through months of intensive diplomatic engagements.
Reacting to the development, Dr Oyetola described the election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“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 said.
According to him, the success followed over one year of sustained advocacy, strategic diplomatic shuttles and targeted engagements across maritime blocs and partner nations.
“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 stated.
Dr Oyetola expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support throughout the campaign.
“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 the confidence reposed in Nigeria, assuring that the country would discharge its responsibilities with integrity.
“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, for their strategic coordination and meticulous planning.
With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other countries in Category C, comprising nations with special interests in maritime transport and navigation. Other elected states include Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.
Countries elected into Category B are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates, while China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America emerged in Category A.
Nigeria’s return to the Council is expected to boost the nation’s maritime and blue economy sectors, strengthen partnerships and enhance access to technical assistance.
“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,” Dr Oyetola said.