CONMMEP Congratulates Dr. Oyetola on Nigeria’s Landmark Election into IMO Council

 

 

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) heartily congratulates the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Nigeria’s historic election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.

 

This remarkable victory, recorded on Friday, 28th November 2025, marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the IMO Council after 14 years, signaling a renewed global confidence in the nation’s maritime sector and a resounding affirmation of its strategic re-emergence under the Tinubu administration.

 

CONMMEP commends Dr. Oyetola for his visionary leadership, diplomatic dexterity and unwavering commitment, which steered Nigeria’s robust campaign across continents. His over twelve months of sustained engagements, targeted diplomacy and consistent advocacy were pivotal to this achievement that now restores Nigeria to its rightful place among leading maritime nations.

 

Dr Oyetola’s declaration that the victory is “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” reflects the collective effort and strong political backing that propelled the campaign. We salute his recognition of the broader national reforms—maritime safety enhancements, blue economy initiatives and improved security architecture in the Gulf of Guinea—which contributed significantly to the nation’s success.

 

CONMMEP also applauds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic support, encouragement and resources that enabled Nigeria to compete favourably in an intensely contested election. The outcome clearly demonstrates global trust in the administration’s policy direction for the maritime and blue economy sectors.

 

We further acknowledge the exceptional work of the Technical Committee of Experts, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola. Their meticulous coordination, professional expertise and dedication played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s compelling case before the international maritime community.

 

Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council is a significant milestone that will open new pathways for international collaboration, attract increased technical and economic support, strengthen maritime governance and enhance investor confidence. With this development, Nigeria stands better positioned to influence global discussions on maritime safety, ocean sustainability and shipping regulation.

 

CONMMEP celebrates this victory as a national achievement and a proud moment for the Nigerian maritime industry. We remain confident that under Minister Oyetola’s purposeful leadership, Nigeria will not only justify the confidence reposed in her but will also take bold steps to consolidate the gains of this election for the benefit of the nation and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.

 

Once again, we congratulate His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Ministry’s vision of a thriving, globally competitive and sustainably managed blue economy.