IMO Category C Victory: NIMASA Staff Host Executive Management to Surprise Reception…as Dr. Mobereola lauds Tinubu, Oyetola for Nigeria’s victory


Staff of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Tuesday hosted the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, alongside the Agency’s Executive Directors, to a surprise reception in celebration of Nigeria’s successful election into the Category C Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The reception, held at the Agency’s Boardroom, was attended by the Director General; the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile; the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba; Directors; and members of staff across departments. The gathering marked Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council after a 14-year absence, reaffirming the country’s strategic position in global maritime governance.

Addressing staff at the event, Dr. Mobereola described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and its maritime industry. He attributed the success to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

According to the Director General, the Minister played a pivotal role throughout the election process by providing strategic direction and personally leading engagements with IMO member states to canvass support for Nigeria.

 “The support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy were very instrumental to the nation’s victory. Throughout the process, the Minister remained committed, providing strategic direction to all parties involved and personally leading the charge in engaging and canvassing support from other member states,” Dr. Mobereola said.


He also commended NIMASA staff for their collective contributions, noting that the Agency serves as Nigeria’s focal point at the IMO.

“As staff of NIMASA, you all have contributed in one way or the other, whether big or small, to Nigeria’s victory at the IMO. The work you do every day has been instrumental to this achievement,” he added.



Dr. Mobereola further charged staff to sustain the momentum, stressing that securing the seat was only the first step.

 “Winning the Category C Council seat is the easier part. The most difficult part is sustainability. It is relatively easy to get to the top, but staying at the top is more difficult. We must ensure that we stay there, and to do so, we require the support of every single member of staff of this Agency,” he said.



Nigeria was elected into the IMO Category C Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking a renewed opportunity for the country to contribute meaningfully to international maritime policy, safety, security, and environmental protection.

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