Nigeria’s return to the Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization(IMO) Council, last November, during the General Assembly election was deserving with reservations, yet reassuring. It left some measure of hope,the striking one being that strategy and determination can still work.
The perceived lethargy associated policy formulation, project approvals and monitoring in the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of the Minister, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, leaves the impression that the sector is in a Snail Republic.
This casts so much doubt on the renewed zeal to get the IMO Council Category C membership. But now that the wall of doubting Thomases have been broken like the Berlin Wall, the question is: Mr Minister, What next?
The snail – like operating mode certainly can’t be a strategy because changes are not taking place, fueling complaints and stagnation in some quarters. Secrecy has also been amplified as a code of operation. This is one Minister that detests to meet the media for accountability and transparency. This impression is palpable.
The media aides can speak all, but not the Minister’s mind in critical moments. That gap is dangerous and spells unholy relationship.
However, under the renewed zeal to work, there are things begging for attention and answers.
Is the Minister aware that some terminal operators have been operating illegally since their tenancy expired and operating lease renewal not granted? Some have been operating a brothel-like tenancy of short-time and short-term, with quick fixes and payment in dollars. This is anti- investment planning.
What has happened to the age-long concession agreement review? This is a key driver of the port reform. No matter how deep a deep sea port is without operating agreement, especially one that takes into consideration the anti-trust clauses, the business and the consumers rights will be endangered.
Has the Minister directed the agencies to ensure the IMO Audit checklist is worked on? It is one thing to get into the Council, but another kettle of fish to remain there. Category C should be a stepping stone to other categories not a destination. Nigeria deserves a better status.
There are lingering security and safety challenges along Nigerian water channels, fueling rising cost of local shipping. What can the Minister do? A small tanker vessel of about 2000 tonnes pay as much as at least N7million as security fees to Navy and or other security details to move cargo to or from Eastern Ports. Nigeria cannot claim super power in the Gulf of Guinea guarilla war and play vigilante guards on the local scene. It is said that charity begins at home. This has raised the question: Is the NIMASA Deep Blue Sea Project Nigerian channels’ shy?
The disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund(CVFF) is another wound that has refused to heal in the nation’s quest for shipping development. At the last count, CVFF has defied the Minister’s order on several occasions. This is a subtle de-mystification of the powers and the authority of the Minister. Can the the Minister unboundle the CVFF operating clauses? There are too many inhibitive clauses in the operating rules.
The nation’s ports are far from being competitive amongst their neighbouring ports. A simple search on the operating indices reveals a huge gap. Where are the Minister’s technical advisers? The nation’s maritime beauty is fading away like a weathering flower! Can the nation regain the attraction?
Why are the approving authorities pussy-footing about the fate of the electronic call-up system in Apapa? The Apapa gridlock is looming again!
Let the Minister chew these few concerns of the industry stakeholders, as more questions agitate the soul and hearts of many.
The historic victory and re-election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium has elicited commendations from across the industry and nations.
The election, held during the IMO General Assembly in London, marks Nigeria’s triumphant return to the Council after a 14-year absence, restoring the nation to global reckoning among the comity of maritime nations.
The Minister deserves praises no doubt. He led Nigeria’s campaign for over twelve months of intensive diplomacy shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.
Speaking moments after the results were declared, Dr Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to him, “This victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”
The Minister emphasised that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.
“Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back — stronger, more strategic and more determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance. We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility,” he said.
Dr Oyetola expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the full support that made the campaign successful despite the highly competitive nature of the election.
“Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource we needed to prosecute this campaign. His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” he noted.
He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, affirming that the results demonstrate broad trust in the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.
“The world has stood with us, and we do not take this for granted. Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he pledged.
The Minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging their strategic coordination, meticulous planning and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s success.
With this election, Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C – countries recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation within the IMO Council. The elected states in Category C are: Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.
Countries elected into Category B, representing nations with the largest interests in international seaborne trade, are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.
Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services, saw the election of China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Nigeria’s return to the Council is expected to bring significant benefits to the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors, strengthening international partnerships, enhancing access to technical support, boosting investor confidence and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We have earned the world’s confidence. Now we must deepen our reforms, strengthen our institutions and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading maritime nation,” Minister Oyetola said.
