Uche Cecil Izuora
The Federal 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 Organization (IMO) for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The election was held on 28 November 2025 in London, where Nigeria secured a seat on the IMO Council, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime and diplomatic engagements.
The commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026, were signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola.
In the letters, the Minister expressed the Federal Government’s deep appreciation for the commitment, professionalism and strategic coordination demonstrated by the committee members throughout the campaign process that culminated in Nigeria’s victory.
Those commended include the Chairman of the committee, Olufemi Oloruntola, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside 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, 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.
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.
“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 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.
Dr Oyetola further noted that the contributions of the committee members reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and enhanced international maritime cooperation. He conveyed the Federal Government’s confidence in their continued dedication to advancing Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and promoting the country’s interests within global maritime governance.