The Nigerian Government has formally commended nine members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for their pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The election, held on 28 November 2025 in London, marked a significant achievement for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s influence in global maritime governance and diplomacy.
In letters dated 28 January 2026, signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the committee members were praised for their dedication, professionalism, and effective coordination that led to Nigeria’s successful bid.
The honourees include: Olufemi Oloruntola, Chairman of the committee and former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department; 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, 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 and Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.
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Dr Oyetola highlighted the strategic leadership and commitment demonstrated by the team, emphasising that their engagement with IMO Member States and careful campaign management were critical to Nigeria’s victory.
“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 added that the committee’s efforts not only strengthened Nigeria’s position within the IMO but also showcased the nation’s maritime reforms, capabilities, and potential on the global stage.
Dr Oyetola further expressed the Federal Government’s confidence in the committee’s ongoing commitment to promoting Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and advancing the country’s interests in international maritime governance.
