The Maritime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (MARCON) has hailed Nigeria’s successful election into the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium, after 14 years and several failed attempts.
MARCON also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the roles they played in achieving the feat.
It described the victory as a historic achievement, marking Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council after more than a decade and reaffirming the country’s relevance in global maritime governance.
In a statement signed by its President, Ismail Aniemu and Secretary, Olamide Osho, the association said the success reflects the focused leadership of Oyetola and the effectiveness of the strategic diplomatic engagement undertaken by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with key maritime institutions.
According to MARCON, the Minister’s sustained engagement with IMO member states, clear projection of Nigeria’s maritime reform agenda and coordinated campaign efforts were instrumental in securing the highly competitive seat.
The association also commended NIMASA for providing the strong technical and institutional support that strengthened Nigeria’s bid, noting that the agency’s progress in maritime safety administration, regulatory compliance, capacity building and improved security architecture in the Gulf of Guinea significantly enhanced Nigeria’s international standing.
MARCON noted that Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council is a recognition of the country’s improved maritime security profile and growing adherence to international maritime standards.
It said Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council positions the country to contribute meaningfully to global shipping and maritime policy discussions, while advancing the interests of Africa and developing maritime nations.
MARCON urged the Ministry and NIMASA to leverage the Council membership to deepen maritime reforms, strengthen regional cooperation and attract increased investment into the sector.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.
