In a significant show of regional solidarity, the African Group at the United Nations (UN) has announced its unequivocal support for Nigeria’s candidature for election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. This endorsement marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key player in the continent’s maritime sector, as it seeks to amplify Africa’s voice in global maritime governance. The decision was formalized during a high-level presentation delivered by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the African Union Mission in New York, where African diplomats gathered to deliberate on pressing regional and global issues.
The African Group’s endorsement is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in maritime security, governance, and economic development. The continent’s representatives at the UN lauded Nigeria’s leadership in tackling maritime challenges, particularly its transformative efforts in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, a critical maritime corridor that has historically been plagued by criminal activities. This unified support underscores the broader aspiration of African nations to secure a more prominent role in shaping the policies and frameworks that govern the global maritime industry, an arena where Africa’s representation has long been disproportionately limited.
Nigeria’s Maritime Leadership: A Regional and Global Asset
The chair of the African Group for September, Amb. Mohamed Dabo, Equatorial Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the UN, was effusive in his praise for Nigeria’s contributions to maritime security. He described Nigeria as a “brotherly nation” whose leadership extends far beyond its borders, serving as a beacon of progress for the entire African continent. Dabo specifically highlighted Nigeria’s “unmatched leadership” in addressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, a region that has been a hotspot for maritime crime, including piracy, illegal fishing, and oil bunkering.
The Gulf of Guinea, which stretches along the West African coast from Senegal to Angola, is a vital artery for global trade, with billions of dollars’ worth of goods, including oil and gas, passing through its waters annually. However, for decades, the region has been synonymous with maritime insecurity, with pirate attacks posing significant risks to seafarers, shipping companies, and regional economies. Nigeria’s decisive interventions, particularly through the implementation of the Deep Blue Project and the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, have dramatically altered this narrative.
The Deep Blue Project, launched in 2021, is a comprehensive maritime security initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to secure its territorial waters and the broader Gulf of Guinea. The project integrates advanced technology, including surveillance systems, maritime domain awareness tools, and a fleet of vessels and aircraft, to monitor and respond to threats in real time. Complementing this, the SPOMO Act, signed into law in 2019, provides a robust legal framework for prosecuting maritime crimes, making Nigeria one of the first countries in the region to enact dedicated anti-piracy legislation. These efforts have yielded tangible results: piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea have plummeted in recent years, with the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reporting a significant decline in attacks since the implementation of these measures.
Amb. Dabo emphasized that Nigeria’s success in curbing maritime crime has not only enhanced the safety of its own waters but also contributed to regional stability. By fostering collaboration with neighboring countries through initiatives like the Yaoundé Architecture—a regional framework for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea—Nigeria has positioned itself as a leader in collective security efforts. This leadership has earned the country widespread admiration among African nations, making it a natural choice for representing the continent on the global stage.
South Africa’s Endorsement and the Call for Expanded Representation
South Africa’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, also voiced strong support for Nigeria’s candidature, underscoring the country’s commitment to advocating for greater African representation within the IMO Council. Van Schalkwyk commended Nigeria’s pledge to push for an expanded IMO Council that would allocate additional seats to African states, addressing the longstanding imbalance in the organization’s governance structure.
The IMO, established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the UN, is responsible for regulating international shipping, ensuring maritime safety, and promoting environmental sustainability in the global maritime industry. The IMO Council, the organization’s executive body, plays a critical role in shaping its policies and strategic direction. The Council is divided into three categories: Category A for states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services, Category B for states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, and Category C for states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, whose representation ensures equitable geographical distribution.
Currently, Africa holds only four out of the 40 seats on the IMO Council, a figure that starkly contrasts with the continent’s significant stake in global maritime affairs. With 54 member states in the IMO—representing approximately 25 percent of the organization’s total membership—Africa’s underrepresentation has been a point of contention for years. Many African nations, including Nigeria, argue that this imbalance limits the continent’s ability to influence decisions that directly affect its economic and security interests, such as regulations on shipping emissions, port infrastructure standards, and maritime security protocols.
Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat is seen as a strategic move to address this disparity. By securing a position on the Council, Nigeria aims to champion the interests of African nations, advocating for policies that reflect the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. Minister Oyetola, in his presentation to the African Group, emphasized that Nigeria’s candidature is not merely about national prestige but about strengthening Africa’s collective voice in global maritime governance. He argued that a more equitable representation of African states on the IMO Council would enable the continent to play a more active role in shaping the future of international shipping, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, digitalization, and the blue economy.
Nigeria’s Case: A Legacy of Commitment to the IMO
In his address, Minister Oyetola outlined Nigeria’s credentials for the IMO Council seat, drawing on the country’s six-decade membership in the organization and its consistent adherence to IMO conventions. Since joining the IMO in 1962, Nigeria has been a proactive member, ratifying and implementing key international maritime agreements, including those related to safety, security, and environmental protection. The country’s commitment to these conventions has positioned it as a reliable partner in the global maritime community, capable of contributing meaningfully to the IMO’s objectives.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s investments in modernizing its maritime sector as evidence of its readiness to take on a leadership role within the IMO. In recent years, Nigeria has undertaken significant reforms to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of its ports, which handle over 70 percent of cargo in the West African subregion. These reforms include the adoption of digital technologies to streamline port operations, reduce turnaround times for vessels, and improve transparency in cargo handling. Initiatives such as the Nigerian Ports Process Manual (NPPM) and the automation of port management systems have positioned Nigeria as a leader in port modernization in Africa.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s focus on the blue economy—a concept that emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental preservation—aligns closely with the IMO’s priorities and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country has made strides in harnessing the potential of its maritime sector to drive economic diversification, create jobs, and promote environmental stewardship. For instance, Nigeria’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have helped protect marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. These achievements demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to contribute to global discussions on sustainable maritime development.
The Broader Implications of Nigeria’s Candidature
Nigeria’s bid for the IMO Council seat comes at a time when the global maritime industry is undergoing significant transformation. The sector faces a range of challenges, from the transition to cleaner fuels and decarbonization to the integration of artificial intelligence and automation in shipping operations. For African nations, these challenges are compounded by structural constraints, such as limited access to financing for port infrastructure, inadequate technological capacity, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council could help bridge these gaps by advocating for policies that address the specific needs of African states while promoting global standards.
One of the key issues Nigeria plans to champion is the expansion of the IMO Council to include more African representation. This proposal has garnered widespread support among African nations, who see it as a critical step toward rectifying the historical marginalization of the continent in global governance structures. An expanded Council would not only enhance Africa’s influence but also ensure that the IMO’s policies are more inclusive and reflective of the diverse needs of its member states.
Moreover, Nigeria’s leadership in maritime security could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges. The Gulf of Guinea’s transformation from a piracy hotspot to a more secure maritime domain is a testament to the power of coordinated action, robust legal frameworks, and investments in technology. By sharing its expertise and best practices, Nigeria could help strengthen maritime security globally, contributing to the IMO’s mission of ensuring safe and secure shipping.
The Road Ahead: The IMO Assembly and Beyond
The election for the IMO Council is scheduled to take place later this year at the organization’s General Assembly in London, where member states will vote to determine the composition of the Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. Nigeria’s candidature is bolstered by the African Group’s endorsement, which signals the continent’s confidence in the country’s ability to represent its interests effectively. However, the election is expected to be competitive, with other nations vying for the limited seats in Category C.
To secure its place on the Council, Nigeria will need to continue building international support, engaging in diplomatic outreach, and showcasing its contributions to the global maritime community. Minister Oyetola’s presentation in New York was a strategic step in this direction, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to take on a leadership role and its commitment to advancing Africa’s maritime agenda.
As the election approaches, Nigeria’s campaign is likely to focus on its track record of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in the maritime sector. The country’s ability to navigate complex challenges, from piracy to port inefficiencies, positions it as a strong candidate for the IMO Council. More importantly, Nigeria’s candidature represents a broader movement toward greater equity and inclusion in global governance, with African nations asserting their rightful place at the table.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Africa in Global Maritime Governance
The African Group’s endorsement of Nigeria’s bid for the IMO Council seat is a powerful statement of unity and ambition. It reflects the continent’s determination to overcome historical barriers and secure a more prominent role in shaping the future of the global maritime industry. For Nigeria, this endorsement is a validation of its leadership in maritime security, governance, and economic development, as well as an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage.
As the IMO Assembly draws near, Nigeria stands poised to make history, not only for itself but for the entire African continent. A successful bid would mark a significant milestone in the quest for equitable representation and influence in global maritime governance, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry. With its rich maritime heritage, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to regional and global cooperation, Nigeria is well-positioned to lead the charge.
