Nigeria elected to IMO council after 14-years absence

Nigeria has secured a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking its return to the global maritime governing body after 14 years. The election took place on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the IMO General Assembly in London.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s campaign, described the victory as the outcome of more than a year of diplomatic engagement and advocacy across various regions. He said the result reflects renewed global confidence in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the Minister, the win affirms international recognition of Nigeria’s maritime reforms, enhanced security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the administration’s drive to unlock the potential of the blue economy.

He noted that Nigeria’s return to the Council signals a stronger, more strategic presence in global maritime governance.

Dr. Oyetola expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support provided throughout the campaign, acknowledging that the President’s backing helped secure broad international goodwill.

He also thanked the global maritime community for believing in Nigeria’s reform agenda.

He commended the Technical Committee of Experts, led by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, for coordinating the campaign and ensuring its success.

With its election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C, comprising countries with significant maritime interests and selected for balanced geographical representation.

Other elected member states include the Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.

Category B seats, reserved for countries with major interests in international seaborne trade, went to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UAE.

Category A, representing the world’s top shipping service providers, includes China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, South Korea, the UK and the US.

Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is expected to boost the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, strengthen international partnerships, improve access to technical support, attract investment and reinforce Nigeria’s role in the Gulf of Guinea.

Dr. Oyetola pledged that Nigeria will serve with integrity and responsibility, adding that the next step is to deepen ongoing reforms and solidify the country’s position as a leading maritime nation.