- We are yet to become a proper maritime nation- Capt Iheanacho
- We have not done anything better since the last time we lost it– Chief Jolapamo
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry have applauded the country’s re-entry into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, describing the victory as a significant diplomatic milestone. However, they insist that the achievement must be backed by tangible reforms that will reposition Nigeria as a true maritime nation.
Nigeria secured the seat on Friday during the IMO General Assembly in London, marking its return to the Council after a 14-year absence.
A total of 26 countries vied for the positions that were meant for 20 countries. Nigeria was elected with 116 votes, beating countries like Denmark, Kenya, and Bangladesh, among others.
With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C – countries recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation within the IMO Council.
The elected countries in Category C are: Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.
Reacting to the victory, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Genesis Worldwide Shipping, said the victory was “absolutely wonderful news,” noting that the success was the outcome of months of strategic diplomatic engagements led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Dayo Mobereola
“The Minister, together with the DG NIMASA and other officials worked very hard. They travelled to various capitals, met officials in those maritime administrations and canvassed support. So if Nigeria has made it, that is wonderful news,” Iheanacho said.
He noted that Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council gives the country a voice in the formulation of technical rules governing global shipping. But, he cautioned that the victory also places a burden of responsibility on the nation.
“What remains now is for us to live up to the billing. We have to become a proper maritime nation, and you can’t be a maritime nation without ships. We must develop a national fleet that reflects the structure of our trade and grow it in a way that benefits our economy,” he added.
Also reacting, Chief Isaac Jolapamo, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), congratulated the government, but expressed reservations about celebrating prematurely. He said Nigeria must confront the reality that little progress has been made since the country first lost its seat over a decade ago.
“To me, congratulations, but I don’t know how to put the jubilation. We have not done anything better since the last time we lost it,” Jolapamo said. “When we were doing the right things, we had Category C; by now, we should be thinking of Category B. Look at Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore—countries in our ‘region’ that consistently remain in the Council.”
Jolapamo argued that the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry may have influenced member states to give Nigeria another chance, but he insisted that meaningful reforms must follow immediately.
“The Minister must start doing the right thing. Nations want to see real progress, not just titles,” he added.
In his reaction, Engr Bob Yousou, President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), described the victory as “a dream come true,” but emphasized that Nigeria must sustain the momentum with discipline and political will.
“We pray that we sustain it. We have to put things right and correct ourselves. Nigeria is a great nation, but the sector needs strong political will to move forward. We thank God for the Minister and the present administration,” he said.
While the industry celebrates the diplomatic achievement, stakeholders insist that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council must not be only symbolic. They insist that the nation must now demonstrate real progress in maritime administration, port efficiency, fleet development and regulatory enforcement if the victory is to translate into long-term gains.
Nigeria will serve on the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, alongside 19 other countries elected into Category C.
And speaking shortly after the results were declared, Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to him, “this victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of His Excellency President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”
He emphasised that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.
“Our return to the IMO Council after 14 years signals that Nigeria is back — stronger, more strategic and more determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance. We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility”, the minister said.
