IMO
FG commends committee over Nigeria’s successful IMO Council election
Lagos, February.,10, 2026 ,The Federal Government has commended nine members of an Inter-Ministerial Committee for their roles in Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola said the commendation followed the committee’s contribution to Nigeria’s election into the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
Nigeria secured the seat at the IMO Council elections held on Nov. 28, 2025, in London, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and diplomatic engagements.
He said the commendation letters, dated Jan. 28, 2026, were signed by him in recognition of the members’ commitment, professionalism and strategic coordination throughout the campaign process.
Those commended include the Chairman of the committee, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Mr Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department of the ministry and
It also include Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Mr Obinna Chiedu Onowu, Director, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Others are Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister; Dr Paschal Ogar, Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department, who served as Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.
Oyetola said the committee’s strategic engagement with IMO member states and effective campaign coordination were critical to Nigeria’s success.
According to him, the efforts of the committee showcased Nigeria’s maritime reforms, capacity and potential on the global stage, while strengthening the country’s standing within the international maritime community.
He added that the contributions of the members reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and enhanced international maritime cooperation.