London, November 29, 2025 – In a resounding affirmation of its revitalized maritime ambitions, Nigeria secured a landmark victory on Friday, November 28, 2025, by being elected to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. The election, conducted during the 33rd session of the IMO General Assembly at the organization’s headquarters in London, United Kingdom, marks Nigeria’s triumphant re-entry into the UN specialized agency’s highest governing body after a 14-year absence. The achievement underscores the nation’s strategic resurgence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The IMO Council, comprising 40 member states, plays a pivotal role in shaping international maritime policy, including regulations on shipping safety, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare. Category C seats, of which there are 20, are reserved for countries with special interests in international maritime transport and navigation, ensuring equitable geographical representation. Nigeria now joins the Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa in this category.
Leading Nigeria’s year-long campaign was the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, whose diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing the victory. In a statement shortly after the results were announced, Oyetola described the outcome as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
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He emphasized that the victory was the culmination of over twelve months of sustained diplomatic engagements, high-level negotiations, and strategic outreach to maritime blocs and member states across continents.
“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,” Oyetola said.
He added that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council signals a major boost to the country’s visibility and influence in global maritime governance.
“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,” he stated.
“We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility.”
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he credited with providing unwavering political and logistical 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 said.
Oyetola also extended gratitude to the international maritime community for supporting Nigeria, noting that the results reflect global trust in the maritime reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration.
“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.
He further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, for their meticulous planning, strategic coordination and dedication throughout the campaign.
With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C. Countries elected into Category B, representing major players in international seaborne trade, include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services, includes China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is expected to unlock significant opportunities for the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, including enhanced international partnerships, improved access to technical support, greater investor confidence and strengthened leadership in regional maritime security, particularly within 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 affirmed.
The victory has been widely celebrated across Nigeria and the international maritime community as a testament to the country’s renewed commitment to global ocean governance and sustainable development of its vast maritime resources.
