Tinubu sees Nigeria’s return to global Maritime body as sign of growing influence

President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium as a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.

Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the IMO Council took place during the organisation’s General Assembly in London on Friday, November 28, marking the country’s return after a 14-year absence.

Nigeria was re-elected to join 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.

Read also: Nigeria returns to International Maritime Council after 14 years

The elected states in Category C include: 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, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.

Countries in Category A – described as the world’s leading providers of international shipping services – include 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.

President Tinubu said: “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.”

Welcoming Nigeria’s success, the President noted that it reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.

He applauded Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; the staff of the Ministry; the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their dedication, strategic engagement, and professionalism throughout the election process.

President Tinubu noted that the new IMO Council mandate aligns with his administration’s drive to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives, and improve the nation’s standing as a regional shipping hub.

He assured the global maritime community of Nigeria’s readiness to partner with it to ensure safer seas, cleaner oceans, more efficient maritime transport systems, and to champion cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.

The President thanked member states for their support and goodwill, pledging that Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.

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