No fewer than nine Nigerians have been issued a Federal Government commendation letter over the roles they played in the success of Nigeria at the last biennial conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, United Kingdom.
The nine Nigerians who were members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee were issued the letters in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the Council of IMO for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The election was held on 28 November 2025 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.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola and made available to Maritime Bits quoted Oyetola expressing 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 and former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; former FMMBE, Director of Maritime Safety and Security Department, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
Others are the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu; and the former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu.
Also in the list are the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola; FMMBE Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department who served as Secretary to the committee, Dr. Paschal Ogar; and Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to IMO. Mr. William Balla,
According to the statement, Oyetola acknowledged the strategic leadership and instrumental role played by members of the committee in securing Nigeria’s success at the IMO Council elections. The effective campaign coordination and sustained engagement with IMO member states by the committee were pivotal to the country’s resounding victory.
Continuing, Oyetola said: “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 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”.
He 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.
