Nigeria re-elected into IMO category C council seat after 14 years

By Joy Enamuna

Nigeria has secured a long-sought return to the Governing Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), clinching a Category C seat at the weekend after years of unsuccessful attempts.

The breakthrough, achieved at the IMO General Assembly in London, restores the country to a strategic decision-making platform in global maritime governance and is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s influence in shaping international maritime policies.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who led Nigeria’s delegation and campaign, described the victory as a resounding affirmation of the reforms undertaken in the nation’s maritime sector.

“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.”

The Minister said the election capped more than a year of intensive lobbying, diplomatic engagement and strategic alliance-building across maritime blocs. According to him, the result “is a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen 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 gratitude to President Tinubu for the unwavering support that propelled the campaign despite the intense global competition. He also acknowledged the solidarity shown by the international maritime community.

“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 Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, for their coordination, planning and “enduring commitment” to the national effort.

With the election, Nigeria joins 19 other countries in IMO Category C, a group reserved for nations with significant interests in maritime transport and navigation, and designed to ensure geographical balance within the Council.
Other countries elected in Category C include Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.

Category B, representing nations with major interests in international seaborne trade, comprises Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

Category A, made up of the world’s leading providers of shipping services, includes China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.