Nigeria just pulled off a big win on the world stage, snapping back into the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after a long 14-year break — and President Bola Tinubu is calling it a major milestone in the nation’s maritime evolution.
The country was re-elected into Category C of the IMO Council during the organisation’s General Assembly in London on Friday, November 28. This return instantly positions Nigeria once again as a key voice in global maritime governance, especially in areas like shipping regulation, security, and environmental protection.
President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the victory as a strong endorsement of Nigeria’s growing maritime strength. He said the election reflects the world’s renewed confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to safer seas, cleaner oceans, and responsible maritime operations. According to him, this win aligns perfectly with his administration’s push to unlock the full potential of the blue economy, upgrade the nation’s maritime infrastructure, fight piracy with more intensity, and elevate Nigeria into a true regional shipping powerhouse.
Tinubu gave special kudos to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, along with the ministry’s staff, NIMASA, and Nigeria’s diplomatic corps for their relentless behind-the-scenes work that secured the win. He also promised the global maritime community that Nigeria is coming in strong — ready to collaborate, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the future of global shipping and marine regulation.
With Nigeria joining 19 other nations in the prestigious Category C — reserved for countries with notable maritime interests — the country’s profile is expected to rise significantly. Experts believe the move will open new doors for investment, strengthen international partnerships, and push Nigeria further into the spotlight as an emerging maritime hub in Africa.
Minister Oyetola called the victory a “landmark endorsement of the world’s renewed confidence in Nigeria”, noting that it was the product of more than a year of strategic diplomatic engagements. He stressed that the real task now is to deepen reforms, fortify maritime institutions, and ensure Nigeria fully claims its place among leading maritime nations.
Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council isn’t just symbolic — it’s a statement. A comeback. A signal that the nation is ready to shape the future of maritime activity, not from the sidelines, but from the decision-making table itself.