Korede Abdullah 
President Bola Tinubu
LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term signals a major diplomatic victory and reaffirms the country’s growing role in global maritime governance.
Nigeria secured the seat during the IMO General Assembly in London on Friday, marking its return to the organisation’s decision-making table after a 14-year absence. Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the win as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms and international cooperation.
“This victory reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship and rules-based maritime operations,” Tinubu said.
The President commended Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, ministry staff, NIMASA officials and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their strategic engagements and professionalism throughout the campaign.
He added that the mandate aligns with his administration’s efforts to unlock the blue economy, expand maritime infrastructure, curb piracy and position Nigeria as a leading regional shipping hub. Tinubu pledged that Nigeria would work with global partners to promote safer seas, cleaner oceans and more efficient maritime transport.
Oyetola called the victory “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria,” noting that the achievement followed more than a year of intensive diplomatic outreach.
“We have earned the world’s confidence. Now we must deepen our reforms, strengthen our institutions and ensure Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading maritime nation,” he said.
Nigeria will now join 19 other nations in Category C, a group that shapes global maritime policy and regulation. Officials say the election boosts Nigeria’s international profile, strengthens partnerships and advances its ambitions in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
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Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Oluwatobi Adu