The Federal Government has honoured nine members of its Inter-Ministerial Committee with commendation letters for their pivotal role in Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2026–2027. Signed by Marine and Blue Economy Minister Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the letters praised the committee’s strategic diplomacy and campaign coordination that secured Nigeria’s seat during the November 2025 elections in London.
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.