By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has officially commenced its campaign for re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 term.
The campaign launch took place in London on the sidelines of the 110th Session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110).
The high-profile event was held at the Delegates’ Lounge of the IMO Headquarters and was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Minister H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. The occasion attracted the presence of the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and delegates from over 120 IMO member states.
During his address, Minister Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s deep-rooted commitment to the core principles of maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and inclusive global maritime governance.
He underscored Nigeria’s strategic role as a maritime nation in the Gulf of Guinea, emphasizing the country’s progress in tackling maritime insecurity through the acclaimed Deep Blue Project.
This integrated maritime security initiative has been credited with eliminating piracy in Nigeria’s waters over the past three years, marking a milestone in regional maritime safety and stability.
Highlighting Nigeria’s legislative and policy milestones, the Minister noted the country’s proactive ratification and domestication of several vital IMO instruments.
These include conventions on emissions reduction, labour rights in the maritime sector, and biofouling management.
He asserted that Nigeria’s adherence to global maritime standards demonstrates its reliability and readiness to contribute meaningfully to international maritime policy development.
Beyond safety and regulation, Oyetola spotlighted Nigeria’s demographic and human capital strength.
He revealed the country’s ambitious plans to supply more than two million skilled seafarers to the global maritime industry in the next decade.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s drive to promote gender equity by empowering women in the maritime space, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and diversified global maritime workforce.
Positioning Nigeria as a dependable partner and a voice for balance and inclusivity, the Minister called on member states to support Nigeria’s re-election bid.
He described a vote for Nigeria as a vote for collaborative decision-making, sustainable maritime growth, and stronger global maritime security.
As the campaign gains momentum, Nigeria has pledged to work closely with all IMO members to foster a maritime future defined by safety, sustainability, innovation, and shared prosperity.
