Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Nigeria’s return to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
In a statement issued by the commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor said the development reaffirms Nigeria’s position in the global maritime sector.
Nigeria regained its seat on the IMO Council on Friday after winning the Category C election for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The election took place during the IMO General Assembly in London on November 28, marking the country’s first return to the Council in 14 years.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended President Tinubu for what he called national leadership that strengthened maritime governance and renewed international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms.
He said the outcome reflects efforts to reposition the maritime and blue economy sectors for national development.
The governor also praised minister Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s delegation and coordinated diplomatic engagements that culminated in the election result.
According to him, the minister’s work helped advance Nigeria’s interests at the IMO.
Details from the IMO election indicate that Nigeria’s win is viewed as an endorsement of its maritime security framework, regulatory reforms and participation in international maritime cooperation under the current administration.
The Lagos State Government expressed confidence that Nigeria’s reinstatement to the IMO Council will open investment opportunities, improve port operations and support ongoing plans to strengthen the state’s maritime system.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos will continue to support federal initiatives focused on maritime safety, blue economy growth and development across the nation’s waterways.
