Tinubu hails Nigeria’s return to maritime organisation council after 14 years

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s election into the Council of the International Maritime Organisation for the 2026–2027 biennium, calling it “a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.”

The election, which saw Nigeria re-elected into Category C of the IMO Council, took place during the organisation’s General Assembly in London on Friday, November 28, marking the country’s return to the global maritime decision-making table after a 14-year absence.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, Tinubu said the development “reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.”

He applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the staff of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their dedication, strategic engagement, and professionalism throughout the election process.

On the significance of Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council, the President said, “The new IMO Council mandate aligns with my administration’s drive to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, strengthen anti-piracy initiatives, and improve the nation’s standing as a regional shipping hub.”

He further assured the global maritime community of Nigeria’s readiness to partner in promoting “safer seas, cleaner oceans, more efficient maritime transport systems, and to champion cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.”

Tinubu thanked member states for their support, pledging that “Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.”

With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C, reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, solidifying its status as an emerging naval hub on the continent.

The return to the IMO Council is expected to enhance Nigeria’s profile in maritime governance, strengthen international partnerships, boost investor confidence, and advance the blue economy.

Oyetola described the win as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” highlighting over 12 months of intensive diplomatic engagements that secured the victory.

“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,” Oyetola said.