- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, addressing the International Maritime Organisation General Assembly in London … on Friday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
Nigeria has returned to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council following an election at the IMO General Assembly in London on November 28, 2025.
The country’s election after many failed attempts during a 14-year absence, was spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s “over 12 months of intensive diplomacy shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.”
Speaking moments after the results were declared, Oyetola said the victory was not just for Nigeria but also “a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of President Bola Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”
According to the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola emphasised that the election represented 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 thanked President Tinubu for “every encouragement, every backing and every resource needed to prosecute this campaign.” He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, stating: “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.”
The minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging its strategic coordination, meticulous planning and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s success.
With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation within the IMO Council.
The other elected states are Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, 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.
In Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services, are China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
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.
According to Oyetola, “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.”
