In a landmark diplomatic victory, Nigeria has successfully secured a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, effectively ending a 14-year absence from the global maritime decision-making body.
The election, which took place on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the IMO General Assembly in London, saw member states vote overwhelmingly to return Nigeria to the influential council.
The victory is seen as a major endorsement of the country’s recent reforms in the maritime sector.
The success is being credited to the aggressive and strategic campaign led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
Speaking on the development, the Minister described the election as the culmination of more than a year of intensive diplomatic outreach.
He revealed that the Ministry engaged in months of “shuttle diplomacy,” targeted engagements, and sustained advocacy across various nations and maritime blocs to secure the necessary support.
According to Oyetola, the victory validates the rigorous efforts to reposition Nigeria’s image and operational standards within the global maritime community.
Nigeria’s return to Category C—a category reserved for states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation signifies a restoration of the country’s influence.
With this seat, Nigeria regains a strategic voice among the comity of maritime nations. The position will allow the country to play a more active role in formulating policies on international shipping governance, maritime safety, and security, as well as the development of the blue economy.
Stakeholders have hailed the development as a new dawn, noting that the country’s 14-year exclusion had limited its capacity to influence critical decisions affecting its maritime trade and waters.
The 2026–2027 tenure is expected to be used to consolidate these gains and attract further investment into the Nigerian maritime corridor.
