Diplomatic breakthrough boosts Nigeria’s global maritime profile as Tinubu-era reforms gain international backing
Nigeria on Friday achieved a major diplomatic milestone with its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term, marking the country’s return to the organisation’s leadership after a 14-year absence. The vote took place during the IMO General Assembly in London.
The win, last achieved by Nigeria in 2011, is seen as a significant upgrade to the country’s maritime influence and comes as the IMO, a specialised United Nations agency continues its global oversight on shipping safety, security, and marine environmental protection.
Under the new mandate, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C, a group reserved for countries with notable interests in maritime transport and international shipping. The re-entry bolsters Nigeria’s standing as a key maritime player in Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
Announcing the victory, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led the delegation and coordinated the campaign, described the outcome as a reward for sustained diplomacy and a testament to Nigeria’s renewed credibility.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, the minister said the election “reflects fresh confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms, leadership direction, and commitment to upholding international shipping standards.”
He explained that the success followed more than a year of targeted diplomatic engagements across continents, involving outreach to maritime blocs and strategic partners.
“This victory is not just Nigeria’s; it is a global endorsement of our maritime reforms, our security interventions in the Gulf of Guinea, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to unlock the potential of the blue economy,” Oyetola said moments after the results were announced.
He added that the win marks Nigeria’s re-emergence as a strong, deliberate participant in global maritime governance.
“We worked tirelessly, travelling, negotiating, and building alliances to ensure Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council. Today signals that Nigeria is back and ready to contribute meaningfully to maritime safety, global shipping standards, and sustainable ocean governance,” he said.
Oyetola expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support, noting that the President “provided every resource, encouragement, and diplomatic leverage needed to compete in a fiercely contested election.”
He also thanked the international maritime community for backing Nigeria, promising that the country would justify the confidence through responsible and active participation.
The minister praised the Technical Committee of Experts led by the Permanent Secretary of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, citing their coordination and strategic planning as key to the successful campaign.
With Friday’s election, Nigeria joins the following Category C countries: Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa.
Category B seats allocated to nations with the largest interest in international seaborne trade went to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.
Category A seats reserved for countries that provide the largest volume of international shipping services, were taken by China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Nigeria’s return is expected to strengthen the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors by improving access to technical expertise, expanding international partnerships, boosting investor confidence, and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We have earned global confidence,” Oyetola said. “Now is the time to consolidate reforms, empower our institutions, and position Nigeria where it truly belongs, as a leading maritime nation.”
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