Nigeria has been elected back into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after a 14-year absence, marking a major return to the global maritime decision-making body.
The country secured a seat under Category “C” for the 2026–2027 biennium during elections held at the IMO General Assembly in London on Friday.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s campaign, said the achievement was the result of more than a year of sustained diplomatic engagements, strategic outreach, and advocacy across key maritime blocs and partner nations.
Nigeria had lost its place on the council due to long-standing challenges at its seaports, regulatory gaps, and security concerns arising from piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Reacting to the outcome, Oyetola described the victory as a major endorsement of the country’s renewed global standing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“This victory is not just for Nigeria. It reflects growing international confidence in our maritime reforms, security improvements in the Gulf of Guinea, and the President’s vision for unlocking the blue economy,” he said.
The minister added that Nigeria’s return would strengthen its influence in global maritime governance.
“Our re-election after 14 years signals that Nigeria is back with renewed strength, strategy, and determination to contribute to global shipping, maritime safety, and sustainable ocean governance,” he stated, noting that the campaign involved extensive international engagement to rebuild confidence in the country’s maritime sector.
