President Bola Tinubu.
By Dianabasi Effiong
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Nigeria’s election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium as a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence and its constructive role in global shipping governance.
This was made known in a statement dated Nov. 29 by Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy).
Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the IMO Council at the election took place during the organisation’s General Assembly in London, on Nov. 28, after a 14-year absence.
While welcoming Nigeria’s success, President Tinubu said it reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s commitment to safety, security, environmental stewardship, and rules-based maritime operations.
The President also applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the staff of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigeria’s diplomatic team for their dedication, strategic engagement, and professionalism throughout the election process.
President Tinubu noted that the new IMO Council mandate aligns with his 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 assured the global maritime community of Nigeria’s readiness to partner with it to ensure safer seas, cleaner oceans, more efficient maritime transport systems, and to champion cooperation, innovation, and fairness in global maritime regulation.
The President thanked member states for their support and goodwill, pledging that Nigeria will justify the trust reposed in it through sustained leadership and active contribution to the advancement of international maritime objectives.
