Nigeria has launched its International Maritime Organisation election campaign in New York to secure a Category C Council seat for the 2026–2027 bienniu.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, led the campaign at a high-level reception hosted at Nigeria House, on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola while presenting Nigeria’s candidature for Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2026-2027 biennium elections to diplomats at Nigeria House in New York on Wednesday night.
Oyetola presented Nigeria’s bid before diplomats and representatives of IMO Member States, stressing that the candidature was not just an aspiration but a solemn pledge of partnership.
The minister pledged responsible leadership, regional cooperation and stronger contributions to global maritime governance if Nigeria is elected.
Oyetola appealed for Member States’ support, stressing: “A vote for Nigeria is a vote for responsible leadership, inclusivity in decision-making and balanced, collaborative progress in global maritime governance.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s maritime endowment, which includes 853 kilometres of coastline, 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone.
He described the country as a strategic maritime nation on the Gulf of Guinea, a corridor of immense global commercial importance.
He pointed to Nigeria’s landmark achievements in maritime security, particularly the Deep Blue Project, which established an integrated air, land and sea security framework under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola also speaking at the diplomatic engagement for the election of Nigeria to the Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at Nigeria House, New York.
According to him, the initiative has resulted in zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters for three consecutive years, with piracy across the Gulf of Guinea drastically reduced, restoring global confidence in international shipping.
“Nigeria’s record demonstrates this resolve. In recent years, we have transformed the maritime security architecture of our reglon.
“Through the landmark Deep Blue Project, we have established a multi-layered, integrated maritime security framework, coordinating alr, land, and sea assets under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
“The results speak for themselves: for three consecutive years, Nigerla has recorded zero piracy incidents on its waters, while incidents in the Gulf of Guinea have drastically reduced,” Oyetola said.
According to him, the results have restored confidence for international shipping and underscored Nigeria’s role as a guarantor of maritime safety.
The minister said Nigeria’s ports remain vital gateways for trade in West and Central Africa, while its shipping industry is one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
With reforms and renewed focus on the blue economy, he said Nigeria is repositioning itself as a maritime powerhouse and dependable partner in shaping the future of international shipping.
On global policy alignment, Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to IMO conventions and revealed that the country is acceding to new instruments covering greenhouse gas emissions, biofouling and maritime labour rights.
He stressed that Nigeria is strengthening compliance on emissions, pollution control and sustainable port operations, reflecting its vision of a safer, cleaner and more equitable maritime domain.
The minister noted Nigeria’s strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on oceans, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
According to him, Nigeria has signed and commenced the ratification.
The minister added that Nigeria has also spearheaded regional initiatives, including a roadmap for designating a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Canary-Guinea Currents Convergence Zone.
Oyetola said with a population of over 240 million people, 60 per cent of whom are under 19, Nigeria is investing in maritime education, capacity-building and gender inclusivity.
He said this is to prepare the next generation of seafarers, port operators and maritime leaders.
He stressed that Nigeria’s voice at the IMO has always been one of constructive engagement and solidarity, extending technical assistance to developing nations, Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
He added that the country is also building new bilateral and multilateral partnerships, advancing reciprocal agreements and strengthening consensus-building within the IMO.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to play a bigger role in advancing maritime safety and environmental stewardship.
Mobereola said if elected, the seat would cement Nigeria’s relevance as a strategic maritime nation and reinforce its role as a strong voice in West Africa and beyond.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Samson Itegboje, welcomed delegates and assured them of Nigeria’s strong commitment to international cooperation.
Nigeria previously served in the IMO Council in 1975, 2001 and 2005 but lost out in three consecutive attempts between 2011 and 2019
