Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola addressing the IMO General Assembly in London on Friday.
Nigeria recorded a historic diplomatic victory on Friday, 28 November 2025, as the country was elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. The election, held during the IMO General Assembly in London, marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Council after a 14-year absence, restoring the nation’s influence and visibility among the world’s leading maritime nations.
Leading Nigeria’s campaign, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, described the outcome as the culmination of more than twelve months of intensive diplomacy, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across countries and maritime blocs.
Moments after the results were announced, Dr Oyetola hailed the victory as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
“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,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council represents a major boost to the country’s standing in global maritime governance.
“Our return 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,” he stated.
Dr Oyetola expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, noting that the President’s unwavering support was instrumental to the campaign’s success.
“Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource we needed. His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” he noted.
He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, stressing that the results reflect broad trust in the reforms being championed by the Tinubu administration. “Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he pledged.
The Minister commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, whose strategic coordination and meticulous planning, he said, played a critical role in Nigeria’s success.
A statement issued by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, explained that Nigeria now joins 19 other nations in Category C — countries recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation, and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation on the IMO Council. Elected states in Category C include Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.
Countries elected into Category B — representing nations with the largest interests 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, saw the election of China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Nigeria’s return to the Council is expected to deliver significant benefits, from strengthening international partnerships and enhancing access to technical support, to boosting investor confidence and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in 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,” Dr Oyetola affirmed.
