Nigeria Wins Seat on IMO Council After 14-Year Absence

Nigeria has secured a seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, clinching a coveted Category C slot with 116 votes during the 2025 IMO General Assembly in London. 

The victory marks Nigeria’s return to the Council after 14 years, placing the country among 20 selected nations recognised for their special interest in maritime transport and navigation.

Head of the delegation and Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, described the win as a “landmark endorsement” of Nigeria’s maritime reforms, anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and a renewed commitment to the “blue economy.”

With the new seat, Nigeria now joins other maritime nations in influencing global shipping policy, maritime safety regulations, environmental standards, and ocean governance a development expected to boost investor confidence, enhance regional influence, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in West and Central Africa’s maritime affairs.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola