The Nigerian Government has issued commendation letters to nine members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The election, held on 28 November 2025 in London, saw Nigeria secure a seat on the IMO Council, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and diplomatic engagements.
In the commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026 and signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the committee members were praised for their commitment, professionalism, and strategic coordination demonstrated throughout the campaign process that culminated in Nigeria’s victory.
In particular, the Minister acknowledged the strategic leadership and instrumental role played by the committee members in securing Nigeria’s success at the IMO Council elections.
According to Dr Oyetola, the effective campaign coordination and sustained engagement with IMO Member States by the committee were pivotal to the country’s resounding victory.
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“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.
He noted that the efforts of the committee were critical in showcasing Nigeria’s maritime reforms, capacity, and potential on the global stage, thereby strengthening the nation’s standing within the international maritime community.
He also conveyed the Federal Government’s confidence in the committee’s continued dedication to advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and promoting the country’s interests within global maritime governance.
Those commended include the Chairman of the committee, Olufemi Oloruntola, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry; Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu.
Otherwise were, Director at the International Organisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister; Dr Paschal Ogar, Assistant Director in the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the Ministry, who served as Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.