Blue Economy
Nigeria Launches Campaign for IMO Council Seat, Highlights Maritime Security Successes
Nigeria Launches Campaign for IMO Council Seat, Highlights Maritime Security Successes
Nigeria has officially launched its campaign for a Category C Council seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026-2027 biennium, leveraging its recent maritime security achievements to strengthen its bid.
The campaign was unveiled at a high-level diplomatic reception at Nigeria House in New York, hosted on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, spearheaded the initiative, presenting Nigeria’s candidature to diplomats and representatives from IMO member states.
Speaking to the assembled diplomats, Oyetola emphasised that Nigeria’s bid represents more than mere aspiration. “A vote for Nigeria is a vote for responsible leadership, inclusivity in decision-making and balanced, collaborative progress in global maritime governance,” he declared.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s significant maritime assets, including 853 kilometres of coastline, 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone. He positioned Nigeria as a strategic maritime nation on the Gulf of Guinea, describing it as “a corridor of immense global commercial importance.”
Central to Nigeria’s campaign is the success of the Deep Blue Project, a comprehensive maritime security initiative implemented through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The project has established an integrated air, land and sea security framework that has yielded remarkable results.
“For three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters, while incidents across the Gulf of Guinea have drastically reduced,” Oyetola announced. This achievement has restored international confidence in shipping through Nigerian waters and the broader West African region.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its role in maritime safety and environmental stewardship. He noted that securing the IMO seat would cement Nigeria’s position as a strategic maritime nation and amplify its voice in West African maritime affairs.
Nigeria’s campaign also emphasised its commitment to international maritime standards. Oyetola revealed that the country is acceding to new IMO instruments covering greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling, and maritime labour rights. The nation is strengthening compliance on emissions control, pollution management, and sustainable port operations.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on oceans, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Nigeria has also initiated regional efforts, including developing a roadmap for designating a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Canary-Guinea Currents Convergence Zone.
With a population exceeding 240 million—60% under age 19—Nigeria is prioritising maritime education, capacity building, and gender inclusivity to develop the next generation of maritime professionals. The country has consistently provided technical assistance to developing nations, Small Island Developing States, and Least Developed Countries.
Nigeria previously held IMO Council seats in 1975, 2001, and 2005 but was unsuccessful in three consecutive attempts between 2011 and 2019. The current campaign aims to return Nigeria to the council based on its enhanced maritime security credentials and commitment to international cooperation.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to the United States, Samson Itegboje, welcomed delegates to the reception and assured them of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to international maritime cooperation.
The campaign positions Nigeria’s ports as vital gateways for trade in West and Central Africa, supported by one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest shipping industries. Through ongoing reforms and renewed focus on the blue economy, Nigeria is repositioning itself as a maritime powerhouse and reliable partner in shaping international shipping’s future.