After 15 Years, Nigeria Wins Back Seat on IMO’s Highest Governing Council

Eromosele Abiodun in London

Fifteen years after it was last elected into the highest governing council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nigeria yesterday won a fiercely contested election as Category C Member of IMO.The coveted position, which had eluded Nigeria, had been a major embarrassment for successive governments that failed to achieve the feat.

In all, 26 countries vied for the position meant for 20 countries.  Nigeria was elected with 116 votes, beating countries like Denmark, Kenya, and Bangladesh, among others.With this election, Nigeria joins 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.The elected countries in Category C are: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, 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.Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services, saw the election of China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, 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.

Making a case for Nigeria before the election, the Minister of Marine Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said, “Esteemed delegates, Nigeria stands before you today as a nation deeply committed to the safety, security, and prosperity of the global maritime community. As a prime maritime nation, home to one of the biggest shipping hubs in West and Central Africa, Nigeria has practised the strengthening of maritime governance, enhancement of port efficiency, expansion of agrographic capabilities, securing its maritime domain, and driving the blue economy agenda.

“Internationally, we have demonstrated leadership and commitment towards championing the suppression of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), fostering regional collaboration through the yonde architecture and supporting capacity-building initiatives that empower developing maritime nations.”

The impact of Nigeria’s actions, he said, was notable and has been acknowledged by the International Maritime Bureau.

He added, “Nigeria’s election to the IMO Council under Category C, not for prestige but to contribute even more robustly to our shared maritime future, we offer a strong solution-driven voice from the developing world, a bridge between regions, and an unwavering partner in advancing IMO’s regulatory, environmental, and safety mandates. Today, I hope you call upon all member states to cast their vote for Nigeria, your trusted partner, your safer maritime ally.

“Today, let’s move forward with purpose, ensuring safer seas, cleaner oceans, and a more inclusive global maritime system for all. Vote Nigeria. Together, we sail forward.”

Speaking moments after the results were declared, Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

According to him, “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.”

He emphasised that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.

“Our return to the IMO Council after 14 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. We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility,” he said.

Oyetola expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the full support that made the campaign successful despite the highly competitive nature of the election.

“Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource we needed to prosecute this campaign. His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” he noted.

He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, affirming that the results demonstrate broad trust in the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

“The world has stood with us, and we do not take this for granted. Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he pledged.

He further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging their strategic coordination, meticulous planning and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s success.

“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,” Oyetola said.