In a significant diplomatic milestone, Nigeria has officially kicked off its campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category ‘C’ for the 2026–2027 biennium. The launch took place on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) at the organization’s headquarters in London.
Leading the campaign, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, alongside the acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the IMO’s mission of ensuring safe, secure, environmentally sound, and efficient shipping worldwide.
Speaking at the event, Minister Oyetola conveyed warm regards from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and declared, “Today, we formally declare Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic importance on the Gulf of Guinea — a critical commercial and security-sensitive shipping corridor — the Minister emphasized the nation’s resolve to support the IMO’s mandate. He spotlighted the acclaimed Deep Blue Project, a cutting-edge maritime security initiative coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). This multi-layered program integrates air, land, and sea assets to safeguard Nigeria’s waters and has achieved a remarkable milestone: zero piracy incidents in Nigerian territorial waters over the past three years. The project has received global recognition, including praise from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Minister Oyetola also underscored Nigeria’s investments in maritime education and capacity building, forecasting that the country could supply over two million skilled seafarers to the global labor market within the next decade.
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making in global maritime governance,” Oyetola asserted. “We stand ready to work with all Member States to build a safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime future.”
Reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring commitment, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola emphasized the country’s role as a reliable partner in advancing maritime security, environmental stewardship, and equitable governance of international shipping.
The event gathered a distinguished audience, including IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Permanent Representatives, diplomats, and maritime delegates from over 170 member states, underscoring the importance of Nigeria’s campaign on the global stage.
With all 176 IMO Member States set to vote in the elections scheduled for November/December 2025, Nigeria’s bid represents not just a pursuit of office but a commitment to leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the maritime sector.
