Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched Nigeria’s campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 term.
The minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and inclusive global shipping policies.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the campaign was officially flagged off on Wednesday, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee.
The event, held at the Delegates’ Lounge, was attended by over 120 Member States, including IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Permanent Representatives, diplomats, and international maritime delegates. It served as a platform for Nigeria to reiterate its regional leadership and articulate its vision for a safer, greener, and more equitable maritime future.
“As a responsible maritime nation strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria remains committed to promoting safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable shipping,” said Minister Oyetola in his keynote address. “We are proud to declare our candidacy for re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium.”
Oyetola pointed to Nigeria’s landmark Deep Blue Project, coordinated by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as a success story in maritime security innovation. “Thanks to the Deep Blue Project, we have recorded zero piracy incidents in our territorial waters over the past three years,” he noted, citing commendation from the International Maritime Bureau.
He also outlined Nigeria’s recent ratification and domestication of several IMO conventions and ongoing efforts to adopt global regulations on emissions, biofouling, and maritime labour standards. “These steps reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship and seafarers’ welfare,” he added.
With a population of over 240 million — 60% under the age of 19 — Nigeria is looking to channel its demographic strength into the maritime sector. “We are investing heavily in maritime education and training, aiming to contribute over two million skilled seafarers to the global workforce in the next decade,” Oyetola said.
Gender inclusivity is also on Nigeria’s agenda. “We are making deliberate efforts to empower women in maritime — from seafarers to port operators — because inclusive progress is sustainable progress,” he declared.
Nigeria’s track record within the IMO, according to the Minister, has been marked by technical cooperation and peer support, particularly to African nations, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making,” Oyetola stressed. “We stand ready to contribute meaningfully to the shared global maritime agenda.”
Speaking at the event, NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Nigeria’s longstanding international partnerships. “We are a committed and reliable global partner in maritime security, environmental responsibility, and fair participation in global shipping governance,” he said.
Dr. Mobereola assured delegates that Nigeria’s re-election would usher in a “transformative maritime agenda that benefits the entire global community.”
