Nigeria on Friday secured a landmark diplomatic victory as it was elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking the country’s return to the global maritime decision-making table after a 14-year break.
The election, conducted during the IMO General Assembly in London, is regarded as a significant boost to Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community, with the country reclaiming a strategic seat last held in 2011.
Saturday PUNCH reports that the IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating international shipping, with a focus on safety, security and the prevention of marine pollution.
With the election, Nigeria joins 19 other countries in Category C, reserved for nations with special interests in international shipping and maritime transport, solidifying its status as an emerging naval hub on the continent.
Announcing the development, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s delegation and campaign, described the win as a triumph of persistence and strategic foreign engagement.
Oyetola, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, said the victory “signals a renewed confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms, leadership direction and commitment to global shipping standards.”
He noted that the outcome reflected over twelve months of intensive diplomatic shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.
The statement read, “Nigeria recorded a historic victory on Friday, 28th November 2025, as the country was elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation 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 to global reckoning among the comity of maritime nations.”
Speaking moments after the results were declared, Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to him, “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.”
The minister emphasised that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile 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. We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility,” he said.
The former Osun governor expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the full support that made the campaign successful despite the highly competitive nature of the election.
“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 noted.
He also thanked the international maritime community for its support of Nigeria, affirming that the results demonstrate broad confidence in the reforms being undertaken 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.
The minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging their strategic coordination, meticulous planning and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s success.
With this election, Nigeria 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 within the IMO Council.
The elected states in Category C are: 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, are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the 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, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Nigeria’s return to the Council is expected to bring significant benefits to the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, strengthening international partnerships, enhancing access to technical support, 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,” the statement concluded.
