Nigeria’s Federal Government has applauded nine members of an Inter-Ministerial Committee for their roles in the country’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the commendation in a statement released on Tuesday in Lagos by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Dr Oyetola said the committee was instrumental in Nigeria’s election to the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 term, achieved during elections held in London on 28 November 2025. He described the outcome as a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime profile and international diplomacy.
Letters of commendation, dated 28 January 2026 and signed by the minister, were issued to acknowledge the committee members’ dedication, professionalism and strategic coordination throughout the election campaign.
The recipients include Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, chairman of the committee and former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Mr Babatunde Bombata, former Director of the Maritime Safety and Security Department; Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; and Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA.
Also commended were Mr Obinna Chiedu Onowu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General of NIMASA; Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister; Dr Paschal Ogar, who served as Secretary to the committee; and Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.
Dr Oyetola noted that the committee’s outreach to IMO member states helped showcase Nigeria’s maritime reforms, institutional capacity and long-term potential, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and international maritime cooperation.
