Nigeria has secured re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, marking its return after a 14-year absence.
The announcement was made on Saturday by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. He noted that Nigeria won a seat in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium during the organisation’s General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28.
President Tinubu hailed the development as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s expanding maritime influence and its positive contribution to global shipping governance. He said the re-election reflects the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and adherence to global regulatory standards.
The President commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, along with ministry staff, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigeria’s diplomatic corps for their strategic efforts and professionalism throughout the campaign.
Tinubu added that the new IMO mandate aligns with his administration’s ambition to fully harness the country’s blue economy, improve maritime infrastructure, enhance anti-piracy operations, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a leading regional shipping hub.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with the global maritime community to promote safer seas, cleaner oceans, and more efficient maritime transportation systems—while advocating cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.
The President expressed gratitude to member states for their support, pledging that Nigeria will honour the confidence placed in it through responsible leadership and active participation in advancing international maritime goals.
