Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has intensified efforts to secure Nigeria’s place in Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. The minister, currently in London for the 134th session of the IMO Council, has embarked on a high-level “door-to-door” lobbying campaign aimed at garnering support from key maritime nations.

The campaign, which commenced formally at the IMO headquarters this week, reflects Nigeria’s renewed ambition to expand its influence in global maritime governance. Oyetola has already held bilateral talks with delegates from countries such as Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, pushing Nigeria’s case ahead of the upcoming IMO Council elections.

“Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership,” Oyetola said during his diplomatic engagements. “We bring to the table a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline, and a national agenda driven by sustainability and collaboration.”

The minister’s efforts are backed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritized maritime reforms under its Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria’s IMO bid comes at a time when the country is enjoying significant achievements in maritime security, particularly the notable elimination of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

“For three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in our waters,” Oyetola emphasized. “This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate investments, inter-agency collaboration, and robust engagement with international partners.”

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate on key maritime sectors including port modernization, shipbuilding, intra-African trade, and green shipping initiatives. According to Oyetola, Nigeria is determined to position itself as a regional leader and a dependable partner in the global maritime space.

“Our goal is not just representation but transformation. We aim to contribute meaningfully to the IMO’s mission of safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping globally,” he said.

Category ‘C’ of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or those that can offer balanced geographical representation. A successful election into the Council would bolster Nigeria’s standing in maritime decision-making and give Africa a stronger voice in shaping international shipping policy.

Oyetola’s campaign also builds on earlier diplomatic engagements during the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, where he met with leaders of several island and coastal nations to shore up Nigeria’s support base.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to IMO’s guiding principles: “We are aligned with the IMO’s core values of safety, security, and environmental stewardship. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a stronger, more inclusive maritime future,” he declared.


Experts within the maritime and blue economy sector have praised Oyetola’s proactive diplomacy. Analysts believe that Nigeria’s growing leadership in maritime security, along with its economic size and port development agenda, gives it a strong case for inclusion on the IMO Council.

“This is a smart, long-overdue move. Nigeria must take its place in global maritime policymaking,” said Dr. Osahon Eweka, a maritime policy expert based in Abuja. “Being at the IMO table means being part of the decisions that shape the industry’s future, especially on matters like decarbonization, shipping safety, and maritime trade.”


With one of the largest economies and maritime domains in Africa, Nigeria’s bid for an IMO Council seat is more than symbolic—it reflects the country’s intention to shape maritime discourse, policies, and partnerships. Oyetola’s diplomacy, backed by security gains and infrastructure strides, positions Nigeria as a viable and influential player in global shipping and logistics.

As Nigeria awaits the outcome of its IMO Council bid, Oyetola’s strategic push may well mark a turning point in the country’s maritime diplomacy—one that promises not only representation but also regional leadership and global impact.