Nigeria has secured a return to the governing council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), ending a 14-year absence from the influential global body.
The development, announced on Saturday, marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the country and a boost to its ambitions within the maritime sector.
The re-election placed Nigeria in Category C, a tier that includes nations with special interests in maritime transport and global shipping regulation.
The vote occurred during the IMO General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28, with delegations from member states participating.
Reacting to the outcome, President Bola Tinubu described the result as a “major vote of confidence” in Nigeria’s maritime reforms and its commitment to international safety and environmental standards.
According to the President, the decision by member states demonstrates growing international recognition of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen security in its territorial waters and improve the governance of its maritime resources.
Tinubu praised the team that led Nigeria’s campaign, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; officials of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); and the country’s diplomatic corps.
He credited their strategic lobbying and technical presentations for winning support among IMO members.
The President said the victory aligns with his administration’s goal of expanding the nation’s blue economy, a strategy centred on maritime trade, ocean-based industries, and coastal development.
He noted that Nigeria intended to upgrade port infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea, and position itself as a major maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Tinubu stressed that by regaining a seat on the IMO Council, Nigeria will now have a stronger voice in shaping global regulations that affect trade, shipping, marine safety, and ocean sustainability.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners in combating maritime crime and improving ocean health.
With the new mandate running from 2026 to 2027, the President assured that Nigeria would approach its responsibilities with “integrity and purpose.”
He pledged that the country would advocate for fair maritime policies, support technological innovation in global shipping, and contribute meaningfully to IMO committees and working groups.
Tinubu thanked countries that supported Nigeria’s candidacy and said the nation would work to justify the trust placed in it by participating more actively in international maritime discourse.
The re-election marks the first time since 2011 that Nigeria will sit on the IMO Council, a body that helps shape global maritime standards and policy directions.
