The African Group at the United Nations has pledged unwavering support for Nigeria’s candidature for election into Category “C” of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The declaration was made during a high-level presentation by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the African Union Mission in New York.
The group praised Nigeria’s exemplary leadership in maritime security and its steadfast commitment to promoting Africa’s collective voice in global shipping governance.
Ambassador Mohamed Dabo, Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea to the UN and Chair of the African Group for September, commended Nigeria for its “unmatched leadership role in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.”
He noted that Nigeria’s decisive actions had significantly reduced piracy incidents in the region.
Dabo further described Nigeria as a “brotherly nation” whose leadership extended beyond its borders, consistently championing Africa’s agenda at the UN.
“Nigeria’s record makes its candidature most deserving of our support,” Dabo said.
He pledged the group’s complete and unreserved backing for Nigeria at the election scheduled to hold later this year at the IMO Assembly in London.
Also speaking, South Africa’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, welcomed Nigeria’s pledge to champion the expansion of the IMO Council to accommodate more African states.
Schalkwyk affirmed South Africa’s support, highlighting Nigeria’s proven ability to represent Africa’s maritime and economic interests.
Presenting Nigeria’s bid, Oyetola underscored Nigeria’s six-decade membership and active contributions to the IMO.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s candidature was “not only about Nigeria, but about strengthening Africa’s collective voice in global maritime affairs.”
“Nigeria has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the objectives of the organisation and contributed meaningfully to the growth, safety and sustainability of the global maritime sector.
“With Africa holding only four out of 40 IMO Council seats despite representing 25 percent of IMO membership, Oyetola appealed for unity in ensuring stronger African representation.
“Out of the 176 Member States of the IMO, Africa accounts for roughly 25 per cent of the total membership, yet our continent currently holds only four out of the 40 Council seats,” Oyetola disclosed.
According to him, the disparity underlines the urgent need for stronger African representation in the governance of global shipping, saying Nigeria was committed to helping bridge that gap on behalf of our continent.
He highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime role, noting that “over 65 per cent of shipping traffic bound for West and Central Africa transits through Nigerian waters.”
The minister pointed to Nigeria’s sustained investments in port modernisation, digitalisation and trade facilitation as part of its contribution to regional growth.
Oyetola also drew attention to Nigeria’s landmark achievement in maritime security.
“Through the landmark Deep Blue Project and the SPOMO Act of 2019, Nigeria established a multi-layered maritime security framework.
“The results are evident: for four consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents on its waters, while incidents across the Gulf of Guinea have drastically reduced.
“This has restored confidence in international shipping and reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as guarantor of maritime safety,” he said.
The minister further pledged Nigeria’s commitment to IMO conventions, environmental sustainability, and that the Blue Economy agenda aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Earlier, the acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Amb Samson Itegboje, told the African group that its endorsement was expected to boost Nigeria’s chances of securing election into the IMO Council.
“Together, we can ensure that Africa’s voice continues to resonate powerfully within the IMO and that our continent remains central in shaping the future of safe, secure and sustainable global shipping,” Itegboje said.
Oyetola had earlier led Nigeria’s campaign at a high-level reception hosted at Nigeria House in New York on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
The minister presented Nigeria’s bid before diplomats and representatives of IMO Member States, stressing that the candidature was not just an aspiration but a solemn pledge of partnership. (NAN)
