President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the 2026–2027 term, describing it as a strong endorsement of the country’s growing maritime influence and commitment to global shipping governance.
Nigeria secured re-election to Category C of the IMO Council during the organization’s General Assembly in London on November 28, marking its return to the council after a 14-year absence.
President Tinubu said the achievement reflects the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s dedication to maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and adherence to rules-based navigation.
He commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, officials of the ministry, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic corps for their strategic engagement and professionalism during the campaign.
“This new mandate supports our administration’s ambition to harness the blue economy, enhance maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy measures, and position Nigeria as a regional shipping hub,” Tinubu said.
The President assured the global maritime community of Nigeria’s commitment to safer seas, cleaner oceans, improved transport efficiency, and collaboration on maritime innovation and fair regulation.
He also expressed gratitude to member states for their support and pledged that Nigeria would justify the confidence reposed in it through sustained leadership and meaningful contributions to international maritime objectives.
The IMO Council is the executive organ of the organization, overseeing its operations between Assembly sessions.
It supervises committees, reviews draft budgets and work programmes, appoints the Secretary-General (with Assembly approval), and coordinates relations with other organizations.
The council comprises 40 member states, divided into:
– Category A: 10 states with the largest interest in international shipping services
– Category B: 10 states with the largest interest in bulk cargo trade
– Category C: 20 states with special interests in maritime transport or geographic representation
This structure ensures balanced representation and enables the Council to manage IMO’s regulatory and governance functions in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
