“Oyetola Returns Nigeria to IMO Council After 14-Year Hiatus”
Nigeria has secured a historic return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 14 years, following its election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium at the IMO General Assembly held in London on Friday, November 28, 2025. The landmark victory was spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who led the country’s campaign through months of intensive diplomatic engagements. Reacting to the development, Dr Oyetola described the election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” “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,” the Minister said. According to him, the success followed over one year of sustained advocacy, strategic diplomatic shuttles and targeted engagements across maritime blocs and partner nations. “Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back —… “Oyetola Returns Nigeria to IMO Council After 14-Year Hiatus”













































