Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria has been elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough for the country after securing 116 votes at the IMO General Assembly in London.
The victory signals Nigeria’s return to the influential Council after a 14-year absence and is expected to bolster the nation’s voice in global maritime governance, safety regulation, and blue economy development.
Announcing the win, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described the election as *“a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”*
He noted that the success follows more than a year of intensive global diplomacy, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy led by Nigeria 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 Council demonstrates the nation’s strengthened commitment to shaping international maritime regulations, advancing decarbonisation efforts, improving port efficiency and bolstering maritime security.
“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.
Dr. Oyetola expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, as well as to the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria’s reform-driven agenda. He also commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, for their meticulous coordination throughout the campaign.
With Nigeria’s election, the country now joins 19 others in Category C—nations recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation in the IMO Council.
The Category C elected states 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—include Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UAE.
China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States secured Category A seats, representing the world’s leading providers of international shipping services.
Nigeria’s successful bid is expected to strengthen its engagement in global maritime policy formulation and accelerate its aspiration to become a leading maritime hub in Africa.