History Made as Nigeria secures International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council seat with 116 votes after sixteen years of failed attempts.
The Nigerian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, attended the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, where the successful election for the 2026–2027 Category C seat was held on Friday, November 28.
Voting was conducted using a physical secret ballot, and the results were announced immediately after the close of the polls and the subsequent tallying of votes.
The inaugural meeting of the new Council, for the purpose of electing its Chair and Vice-Chair, is scheduled for Thursday, December 4.
However, for the first time after nine previous attempts, Nigeria has been elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council seat.
It could be recalled that Nigeria last held a seat on the Council from 2009 to 2011. But, could not made it in 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2021. It could be said that Nigeria strategically withdrew from the 2023 election to better prepare for the 2025 bid, which ultimately proved successful.
The recent victory ended a 14-year absence from the Council.
