FG hails committee as Nigeria regains IMO seat
The Federal Government has commended the nine-member committee responsible for Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. It said the committee’s relentless efforts and strategic diplomacy played a crucial role in securing the country’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium. The election was held on 28 […]
The Federal Government has commended the nine-member committee responsible for Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
It said the committee’s relentless efforts and strategic diplomacy played a crucial role in securing the country’s election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium.
The election was held on 28 November 2025 in London, where Nigeria secured a seat on the IMO Council, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and diplomatic engagements.
It said the committee worked tirelessly to engage with various countries and maritime blocs, soliciting their support for Nigeria’s bid. Their efforts culminated in a decisive victory, with Nigeria garnering the required number of votes to secure a seat on the coveted council.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed the government’s gratitude to the committee, stating that their dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, in a statement issued on Monday, disclosed that the commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026, were signed by the minister.
Those commended include the Chairman of the committee, Olufemi Oloruntola, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry; Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu, Director at the International Organisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister; Dr Paschal Ogar, Assistant Director in the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry, who served as Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.