Nigeria has officially kicked off its campaign for election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026-2027 biennium.
The campaign flag-off was led by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom, at the IMO Headquarters in London.
In his keynote address, Minister Oyetola emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to the IMO’s mandate, highlighting the country’s strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea and its commitment to promoting safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.
He showcased Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project as a model of maritime security innovation, which has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigeria’s territorial waters over the past three years.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria is investing in maritime education and capacity development, with the potential to contribute over two million skilled seafarers to the global labor pool in the coming decade.
He emphasized that a vote for Nigeria is a vote for representation, collaboration, and balanced decision-making in global maritime governance.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring role in the international maritime community, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing maritime security, promoting environmental responsibility, and ensuring fair and equitable participation in the governance of international shipping.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including the Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, and representatives from over 170 IMO Member States.
The elections are scheduled for November/December 2025, and all 176 member states are expected to vote.
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