By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
SECURING A seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) council marks Nigeria’s return to a key position within the global maritime body.
The election took place during the IMO general assembly in London, United Kingdom, on Friday, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed in a post on X.
Category C of the IMO council comprises 20 states with special interests in maritime transport or navigation. Membership ensures representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
Category A consists of ten states with the largest interests in providing international shipping services, while Category B covers ten states with the largest interests in international seaborne trade.
NIMASA stated that Nigeria’s return to the council reflects the country’s growing influence in the international maritime community.
The agency highlighted the strategic importance of Nigeria as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa and emphasised its progress in port efficiency, trade facilitation, and blue economy development.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) also confirmed the election, noting that it underscores the leadership, global best practices, and efforts of Gboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, alongside agency heads under his ministry.
“Joining the IMO Council in Category C places Nigeria among the world’s leading maritime nations, amplifying our voice in shaping global maritime policies, safety standards, security, and environmental sustainability,” the authority said.
NPA added that Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the authority, congratulated Oyetola for his commitment, which has positioned Nigeria firmly on the global maritime map.
The authority described the milestone as recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role in regional maritime development and its rising influence in shaping international standards.
Oyetola had previously announced Nigeria’s bid for the Category C elections, launching a comprehensive campaign in July to secure the position.
NIMASA highlighted that the campaign involved coordination across the country’s maritime sector to advocate for Nigeria’s representation in the council.
On the day of the election, NIMASA described the achievement as a historic milestone for Nigeria and the wider maritime community.
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to global best practices, and tireless efforts of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, CON, and the dedicated heads of agencies under the Ministry,” the agency posted.
The NPA reiterated that Nigeria’s membership in Category C will amplify the country’s voice in shaping global maritime policies, including safety, security, and environmental sustainability measures.
It also highlighted the nation’s strides in port efficiency and trade facilitation, emphasising that the election reinforces Nigeria’s standing as a regional maritime hub.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, NPA managing director, praised Oyetola’s leadership and noted that the successful election reflects the collaborative efforts of the ministry and its agencies.
NPA stated that Nigeria’s participation in the council would contribute to global discussions on maritime standards while advancing the blue economy agenda.
NIMASA stressed that the election reaffirms Nigeria’s role in international maritime governance and allows the country to actively influence decisions affecting global shipping, navigation, and maritime transport.
The agency encouraged stakeholders to continue efforts that support Nigeria’s engagement with the international maritime community.
