London – Nigeria has returned to the International Maritime Organisation (#IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, reclaiming its Category C seat after 14 years of absence and several unsuccessful bids. The announcement was made on November 28, 2025, and celebrated across the country’s maritime community.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described Nigeria’s return as a vote of confidence in the country’s role in the international maritime system. “Nigeria is committed to purposeful leadership and meaningful collaboration to improve maritime safety, sustainability, and economic growth,” he said at an appreciation lunch in London.
Nigeria joins 19 other Category C countries, representing nations with special interests in maritime transport, and will represent West and Central African interests at the Council. Key priorities include addressing piracy, oil theft, environmental pollution, capacity gaps, and enhancing seafarer training and certification.
Experts highlighted structural gaps that previously hindered Nigeria’s seat, including weak domestic shipping capacity, inadequate seafarer certification, piracy, delayed maritime legislation, and poor port infrastructure. Strategic diplomatic campaigns and strengthened regional support contributed to Nigeria’s successful comeback.
Industry stakeholders have urged Nigeria to leverage the Council seat to boost shipyards, seafarer training, port development, and maritime security, as well as to increase indigenous shipping participation, which currently accounts for less than five per cent of cargo movement in Africa.
Dr. Oyetola outlined ongoing reforms to modernise ports, strengthen maritime safety and security, advance hydrographic capabilities, and improve seafarer development. He stressed that these initiatives will ensure a safer, greener, and more efficient maritime environment while fostering global cooperation.
Industry experts, including Capt. Tajudeen Alao of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners and maritime lawyer Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, emphasised the need for uniform standards, Cabotage Act enforcement, and development of multimodal transport systems to unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential and reduce revenue loss.
Nigeria’s successful election to the IMO Council is expected to strengthen domestic maritime industries, enhance regional trade, and position the country as a leading voice for West and Central Africa in global maritime governance.
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