The African Group at the United Nations has formally endorsed Nigeria’s candidacy for election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 term.
This assurance came during a high-level briefing by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the African Union Mission in New York.
Delegates commended Nigeria’s leadership in maritime security and its continued efforts to advance Africa’s interests in international shipping governance.
Amb. Mohamed Dabo, Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the UN and Chair of the African Group for September, applauded Nigeria’s leadership role in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that Nigeria’s efforts had contributed significantly to the decline of piracy incidents in the region.
Dabo also described Nigeria as a dependable partner that consistently champions Africa’s priorities on the global stage.
He pledged the group’s full support for Nigeria at the IMO Council elections to be held later this year in London.
South Africa’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, also voiced support, welcoming Nigeria’s promise to push for a more inclusive IMO Council that accommodates additional African representation.
He highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in representing the continent’s maritime and economic interests.
Presenting Nigeria’s case, Oyetola underlined the country’s long-standing contributions to the IMO spanning over six decades.
He explained that Nigeria’s bid went beyond national ambition, representing a commitment to strengthening Africa’s collective influence in global maritime policy.
He emphasised Nigeria’s strategic role in maritime trade, port development, security, and its alignment with sustainable development goals.
Oyetola also drew attention to Nigeria’s success stories in maritime security, citing the Deep Blue Project and the SPOMO Act of 2019, which have helped eliminate piracy in Nigerian waters for four consecutive years.
He stressed that these achievements had enhanced safety in the Gulf of Guinea and boosted confidence in international shipping.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to IMO’s objectives, particularly in maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and the growth of the blue economy.
Acting Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Samson Itegboje, told the African Group that its endorsement would further strengthen Nigeria’s chances in the forthcoming IMO elections.
He said the collective support of African nations was key to ensuring the continent’s stronger voice in maritime governance.
At a separate reception in New York, Oyetola presented Nigeria’s candidacy to diplomats and IMO Member State representatives, affirming that the bid was both a strategic aspiration and a pledge of partnership with Africa and the world.