Nigeria’s Re-Election Into International Maritime Organization: Corporate Bodies, Individuals Praise President Tinubu, Others for Efforts

By Raheem Ibrahim

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, have continued to receive accolades for their collective efforts in securing Nigeria’s re-election into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

Several corporate bodies and individuals have expressed appreciation to the President and other stakeholders for their roles in restoring Nigeria’s seat at the global maritime body under Category C.

Among the organizations commending the achievement are the Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch, the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), the Maritime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (MARCON), and the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).

SSASCGOC described Nigeria’s triumphant return to Category C of the IMO Council as a milestone for the nation’s maritime sector.

In a statement signed by its Maritime President, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, the union congratulated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his pivotal role in coordinating Nigeria’s successful campaign.

The statement also commended the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for their strategic contributions.

Bodunde noted that Oyetola’s leadership—particularly the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee—was instrumental in reversing the setbacks from Nigeria’s unsuccessful bids in 2011 and 2019. Through diplomatic engagement, operational coordination, and widespread international outreach, Nigeria reclaimed its position on the IMO Council, a platform critical for shaping maritime policy, securing technical assistance, and strengthening institutional capacity.

He further praised Dr. Dantsoho for his commitment to improving port efficiency, safety, and infrastructure, positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa. NIMASA DG Mobereola was equally lauded for championing the ratification of six IMO conventions and enhancing Nigeria’s compliance with global maritime safety standards.

“Beyond operational and regulatory achievements, the Minister’s administration has prioritized maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarers’ welfare,” Bodunde said, emphasizing that Nigeria’s Category C membership ensures West Africa’s strategic interests are well represented on the global stage.

SSASCGOC urged maritime stakeholders to sustain the current momentum, deepen collaboration, and build on the leadership efforts that restored Nigeria’s global maritime influence.

Similarly, the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) congratulated President Tinubu, Minister Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, on Nigeria’s return to Category C.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by the National President of WABOTAN, Mr. Babatope Fajemirokun.

Fajemirokun said the development marks a historic moment for Nigeria, which reclaimed its seat at the IMO Council on Friday after a decisive victory in the Category C election for the 2026–2027 biennium. The return, announced during the IMO General Assembly in London, is Nigeria’s first in 14 years.

He praised President Tinubu for strengthening maritime institutions and implementing reforms that improved the country’s image among IMO member states.

WABOTAN also commended Minister Oyetola for leading Nigeria’s delegation and coordinating a yearlong diplomatic campaign that culminated in the victory, describing his role as crucial in projecting Nigeria’s renewed commitment to maritime security, safety, and blue economy development.

The Maritime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (MARCON) also hailed Nigeria’s re-election into the IMO Council, calling the development a “historic achievement” that reaffirms the country’s relevance in international maritime governance.

In a statement signed by President Ismail Aniemu and Secretary Olamide Osho, MARCON attributed the victory to the strategic leadership of Minister Oyetola and the coordinated efforts of NIMASA.

According to the association, Oyetola’s sustained diplomatic engagement with member states and his clear articulation of Nigeria’s maritime reform agenda were critical to securing the seat. MARCON praised NIMASA for providing the technical and institutional support that strengthened Nigeria’s bid, citing improvements in maritime safety, regulatory compliance, capacity building, and enhanced security in the Gulf of Guinea.

MARCON noted that the Council membership offers Nigeria renewed opportunities to influence global shipping policies and advance the interests of Africa and other developing maritime nations. It urged the Ministry and NIMASA to deepen ongoing reforms and attract more investment into the maritime and blue economy sectors.

Also, the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) congratulated Nigeria on its successful re-election into the IMO Council under Category C after 14 years of unsuccessful attempts.

In a statement signed by its Acting President, Vera Osokpo, AMJON praised Minister Oyetola and NIMASA for the roles they played in achieving the milestone. It described the victory as a significant accomplishment that reaffirms Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime governance.

According to AMJON, the Minister’s consistent engagement with IMO member states, clear articulation of reforms, and coordinated campaign efforts played a major role in securing the seat. The association also commended NIMASA for providing strong technical and institutional backing, noting the agency’s progress in maritime safety administration, regulatory compliance, capacity building, and improved security in the Gulf of Guinea.