The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that Nigeria’s return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council reflects a renewed vote of confidence in the country’s role within the international maritime system.
In a statement on Monday signed by his media aide, Mr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister disclosed this when he hosted an appreciation lunch for IMO delegates in London yesterday, where he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to constructive global maritime engagement following the election victory.
Recall that Nigeria on Friday secured a landmark diplomatic victory as it was elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking the country’s return to the global maritime decision-making table after a 14-year break.
The election, conducted during the IMO General Assembly in London, is regarded as a significant boost to Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community, with the country reclaiming a strategic seat last held in 2011.
Mr Oyetola, while expressing deep gratitude on behalf of the country and President Bola Tinubu, emphasised that the “country’s return to the IMO Council reflects a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s role within the international maritime system.”
The Minister noted that the support Nigeria received during the election was a reaffirmation of global belief in the nation’s constructive engagement and its commitment to contributing effectively to the organisation’s mission.
Mr Oyetola highlighted that the IMO’s mandate extends to improving international maritime safety, driving decarbonisation, protecting the marine environment, enhancing maritime security, and building a sustainable blue economy.
He outlined that the reforms currently underway in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector under President Tinubu’s guidance aim to strengthen maritime safety and security, “Modernise ports, enhance flag and port state administration, advance hydrographic capabilities, improve seafarer development, and expand critical maritime infrastructure.”
He emphasised that safeguarding a safer, greener, and more efficient maritime environment is a shared global responsibility, noting that improvements in Nigeria’s maritime domain positively influence international shipping and coastal nations alike.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated that the country will continue championing the values that underpin the IMO, including cooperation, transparency, regulatory stability, and equitable global maritime development.
“As a council member, Nigeria intends to intensify advocacy for capacity-building for developing nations, expand avenues for technical cooperation, and promote a level playing field that enables all states to confront emerging maritime challenges effectively,” he said.
The minister assured delegates that Nigeria’s contributions within the Council will remain forward-looking, inclusive, and solution-driven, and pledged closer cooperation with member states, the IMO Secretariat, and industry stakeholders to improve global maritime safety, sustainability, and economic growth.
According to him, the confidence shown by the international community strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to deliver measurable, beneficial outcomes throughout the 2026–2027 biennium.