Nigeria has officially inaugurated its campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this in a statement on Thursday, signed by his Special Adviser, Mr Bolaji Akinola.
He noted that the campaign inauguration took place on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) at the IMO headquarters in London.
Mr Oyetola emphasised that Nigeria’s candidacy represented a call for balanced decision-making in global maritime governance.
“Today, we formally declare Nigeria’s candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium,” he stated.
He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible maritime nation strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea, with one of the world’s most commercially significant and security-sensitive shipping routes, remained committed to supporting the IMO’s mandate.
“This mandate promotes safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable shipping.
“We stand ready to work with all Member States to build a safer, greener, and more inclusive maritime future.
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making in global maritime governance,” Mr Oyetola said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as a model of maritime security innovation.
“The project integrates air, land, and sea assets to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain.”
According to the minister, the successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters over the past three years.
He said that the milestone had drawn international recognition, including commendation from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
In addition to security efforts, Mr Oyetola noted that Nigeria had ratified and domesticated several IMO instruments.
He added that the country was currently working to adopt further conventions, including those focused on greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling, and maritime labour protections, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and the welfare of seafarers.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s demographic strength and human capital as positioning the country, as not just a regional maritime leader, but a forward-looking global partner.
“We are investing in maritime education and capacity development, with the potential to contribute more than two million skilled seafarers to the global labour pool in the coming decade,” he said.
Mr Oyetola added that Nigeria had a strong record of constructive engagement within the IMO, offering technical support and sharing best practices with fellow developing countries, particularly in Africa.
He noted that Nigeria also extended the support to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
He further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to gender equity in the maritime sector, highlighting deliberate efforts to empower women through initiatives that supported female seafarers, port professionals, and maritime leaders.
“Progress in partnership must be inclusive,” he added.