Nigeria has secured a place in the Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking a major diplomatic win for the country. The election took place on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the IMO General Assembly in London, where member states voted Nigeria back onto the influential council.

Leading the campaign, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON described the success as the culmination of more than a year of intensive diplomatic outreach. He noted that months of shuttle diplomacy, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across countries and maritime blocs ultimately delivered the long-awaited breakthrough.

The victory signifies Nigeria’s return to the global maritime stage after a 14-year absence from the council.

With this election, the country regains a strategic voice among the comity of maritime nations, reinforcing its commitment to international shipping governance and maritime development.