Nigeria returns to IMO Council after 14 years, signaling maritime resurgence
President Bola Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium as “a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.”
The election took place at the IMO’s General Assembly in London on November 28, ending a 14-year absence from the Council’s Category C membership.
President Tinubu in a statement on Saturday by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga stated, “This reflects the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.”
He applauded the efforts of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the ministry’s staff, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the diplomatic team for their “dedication, strategic engagement, and professionalism throughout the election process.”
The President emphasised that the new IMO mandate aligns with his administration’s goals “to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives, and improve the nation’s standing as a regional shipping hub.”
He further assured, “Nigeria is ready to partner with the global maritime community to ensure safer seas, cleaner oceans, more efficient maritime transport systems, and to champion cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.”
Tinubu thereby expressed gratitude to member states for their support and pledged that Nigeria “will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.”
