FG Rewards Nine Officials Over Nigeria’s Return to IMO Council

   
 By Victoria Silvanus

The Federal Government has issued letters of  commendation  to nine members of an Inter-Ministerial Committee in recognition of their outstanding roles in Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
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Nigeria secured the seat during the IMO Council elections held on 28 November 2025 in London, a development widely regarded as a major boost to the country’s maritime profile and diplomatic influence within the global shipping community.

The commendation was contained in a press release signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja.

Letters Signed by Minister Oyetola
The commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026, were signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

In the letters, the Minister praised the committee members for their professionalism, dedication, and strategic coordination throughout the campaign that culminated in Nigeria’s victory.
Key Committee Members Recognised

Those honoured by the Federal Government include:
Olufemi Oloruntola. The Chairman of the committee and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry
Babatunde Bombata – Former Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department
Dr Abubakar Dantsoho – Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
Dr Dayo Mobereola – Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu – Director, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Dr Ade Dosunmu – Former Director-General of NIMASA
Dr Bolaji Akinola – Special Adviser to the Minister
Dr Paschal Ogar – Assistant Director and Secretary of the committee
Mr William Balla – Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO

Minister Oyetola particularly acknowledged the committee’s strategic engagement with IMO Member States, describing their efforts as central to Nigeria’s success.

“Your strategic engagement with IMO Member States and effective campaign management were pivotal to Nigeria’s resounding success at the election,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the committee’s work helped showcase Nigeria’s maritime reforms, growing capacity, and relevance in international maritime governance.

The Minister added that the committee’s contributions reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO, while also enhancing international maritime cooperation.
He expressed confidence that the officials will continue to support Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and promote the nation’s interests on the global stage.
The commendation marks another important step in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s position within global maritime institutions under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

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