What Nigeria’s IMO council seat means?

Nigeria’s re-election into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council is a significant milestone, reaffirming the country’s commitment to global maritime governance.

This achievement marks Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council after a 14-year absence, with the country securing a seat in Category C for the 2026-2027 biennium.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the victory, stating that it reflects the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to maritime safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based operations.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also emphasized that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council signals the country’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety, and sustainable ocean governance.

Addressing dignitaries, diplomats and representatives of member states, Oyetola expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that the country’s return to the IMO Council reflects a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s role within the international maritime system.

He noted that the support Nigeria received during the election was a reaffirmation of global belief in the nation’s constructive engagement and its commitment to contributing effectively to the organisation’s mission.

The Minister described the election as both a privilege and a weighty responsibility, stressing that Nigeria understands the gravity of serving on a Council that shapes critical global maritime policies. He highlighted that the IMO’s mandate extends to improving international maritime safety, driving decarbonisation, protecting the marine environment, enhancing maritime security and building a sustainable blue economy.

Nigeria, he said, is fully committed to justifying the trust placed in it through purposeful leadership and meaningful collaboration.

Oyetola outlined the reforms currently underway in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector under President Tinubu’s guidance.

These reforms aim to strengthen maritime safety and security, modernise ports, enhance flag and port state administration, advance hydrographic capabilities, improve seafarer development and expand critical maritime infrastructure.

He emphasised that safeguarding a safer, greener and more efficient maritime environment is a shared global responsibility, noting that improvements in Nigeria’s maritime domain positively influence international shipping and coastal nations alike.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated that the country will continue championing the values that underpin the IMO: cooperation, transparency, regulatory stability and equitable global maritime development.

As a Council member, Nigeria intends to intensify advocacy for capacity-building for developing nations, expand avenues for technical cooperation and promote a level playing field that enables all states to confront emerging maritime challenges effectively.

The Minister assured delegates that Nigeria’s contributions within the Council will remain forward-looking, inclusive and solution-driven.

He pledged closer cooperation with member states, the IMO Secretariat and industry stakeholders to improve global maritime safety, sustainability and economic growth.

According to him, the confidence shown by the international community strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to deliver measurable, beneficial outcomes throughout the 2026–2027 biennium.

Oyetola commended the Secretary-General of IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and his team for their professionalism and steadfast commitment to maritime development. He also congratulated all elected Council members across the three categories, acknowledging the collective importance of their roles in guiding the work of the organisation.

The event closed on a note of warmth and optimism as the Minister thanked all delegates for their support, partnership and presence, urging them to enjoy Nigeria’s hospitality.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria looks forward to deepened cooperation and shared progress during its term on the IMO Council.

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