President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s election into the Council of the International Maritime Organisation for the 2026–2027 biennium. The election, which saw Nigeria re-elected into Category C of the IMO Council, happened 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, Tinubu described the development as a “strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.”
According to him, the election “reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.”
He then hailed 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 commitment and professionalism throughout the election process.
“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,” it read.
He further noted that Nigeria is ready to aid safer seas and cleaner oceans, stressing that the nation will have no problems championing cooperation, innovation and fairness in global maritime regulation.
Tinubu concluded by thanking member states for their support, vowing that “Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.”
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