The Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu, has secured the support of MOWCA Ministers for Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. The IMO Council election is scheduled to take place in November 2025.
Adalikwu disclosed that the MOWCA Bureau of Ministers unanimously endorsed Nigeria’s candidacy at its 10th session on July 10, 2025.
He also met with ministers from the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who confirmed their support for Nigeria’s bid.
MOWCA’s 25-country bulk vote is expected to boost Nigeria’s chances of victory in the election.
Nigeria is positioning itself as a Category C candidate committed to inclusivity, equity, and climate-resilient maritime development.
The IMO Council election will be held during the IMO Assembly’s 34th session in November-December 2025.
The Assembly will elect 40 members to the Council for the 2026-2027 biennium. Nigeria’s bid is expected to be strengthened by the support of MOWCA Ministers.
Adalikwu had earlier disclosed his plans to rally MOWCA’s 25-member organisation in support of Nigeria at a ferry safety conference held in Lagos in June.
His efforts have paid off, with the MOWCA Ministers throwing their weight behind Nigeria’s candidacy.
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