Nigeria has secured a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking the country’s return to the global maritime decision-making body after 14 years.
Bolaji Akinola, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy who disclosed this in a press release said the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, led Nigeria’s delegation and campaign for the seat.The election took place on 28th November ,2025 at the IMO General Assembly in London and he described the outcome as a significant achievement for the country and a boost to its standing within the international maritime community.
Oyetola said the victory followed more than a year of diplomatic outreach and engagements with member states and maritime blocs. He noted that the result reflected renewed international confidence in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the Minister, the Council seat offers Nigeria a platform to contribute more actively to global discussions on shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance
Oyetola also acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, stating that government backing was crucial to the success of the campaign. He expressed appreciation to countries that voted for Nigeria, saying their support demonstrates trust in the reforms taking place within the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
The Minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, for coordinating Nigeria’s preparations for the election.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” Minister Oyetola said.
Nigeria joins 19 other countries elected into Category C, which comprises nations with special interests in maritime transport and navigation and ensures balanced geographical representation on the Council. The elected states include the Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.
Countries elected into Category B, representing major players in international seaborne trade: include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
Category A, reserved for leading providers of international shipping services includes China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is expected to enhance the country’s influence in maritime policy development, expand access to international technical support and strengthen cooperation with global partners, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Ministry said the country will now work to consolidate reforms within the maritime and blue economy sectors to maximise the gains of its renewed international engagement.
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