IMO Council win: Fed Govt lauds NIMASA DG’s strategic leadership

The federal government has commended the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his strategic role in securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.

According to a statement by the Agency’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, obtained by The Nation at the weekend, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged Mobereola’s instrumental leadership and effective campaign coordination in a letter dated January 28, 2026.

The statement indicated that the commendation letter addressed to the Director General highlighted his pivotal role in Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London.

According to Edward, the minister noted that Mobereola’s strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success, reflecting a high level of dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime interests.

“Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election, showcasing your steadfast dedication and unrelenting commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime interests,” the minister stated.

Oyetola further praised the NIMASA DG’s role in demonstrating the country’s maritime potential and reform initiatives to the international community, thereby enhancing the country’s standing in global maritime governance.

“The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation,” Oyetola said.

The statement quoted the minister as conveying the federal government’s appreciation for the Director General’s outstanding service and expressing confidence in his continued contributions toward advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.

The NIMASA spokesperson disclosed that Mobereola, in his response, expressed deep appreciation to Oyetola for the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO Council election process.

Osagie quoted the NIMASA DG as attributing the electoral success to collective efforts, emphasising the dedication of the agency’s staff and the strong support from maritime stakeholders.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” Mobereola said.

The statement further revealed that the DG called for renewed dedication across the agency to justify Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council by strengthening efforts in maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development.

Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deliver on the expectations that come with Nigeria’s IMO Council membership, according to the statement.

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Edward noted that Nigeria’s election into Category C of the IMO Council is considered a strategic gain for the country and aligns directly with NIMASA’s statutory responsibility as the nation’s maritime administration.

The IMO Council, he said, serves as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organisation between sessions of the Assembly, overseeing the implementation of maritime conventions and regulations that govern global shipping, maritime safety, and environmental protection.

Category C membership specifically, he noted, represents countries with special interests in maritime transport and navigation, positioning Nigeria to influence policy decisions affecting African maritime trade, shipping routes, and the broader international shipping industry.

Maritime industry analysts have noted that the election victory enhances Nigeria’s capacity to participate in shaping global maritime policies, particularly those affecting developing nations and regional trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Stakeholders in the sector have expressed optimism that Nigeria’s presence on the IMO Council will provide opportunities to address longstanding challenges in the domestic maritime sector, including effective cabotage implementation, port efficiency improvements, and enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Industry experts further argued that the IMO Council seat positions the country to attract increased foreign direct investment in maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, and allied services, while also strengthening the country’s negotiating power in international maritime trade agreements.

The election comes at a crucial time as Nigeria pursues ambitious reforms under its blue economy agenda, with the maritime sector projected to contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to diversify its GDP beyond oil and gas revenue.

With the country’s maritime domain covering approximately 853 kilometres of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 200 nautical miles, stakeholders believe the IMO Council membership will enable the country to better its maritime assets for economic development and regional leadership in West Africa.