IMO Election: Nigeria must turn IMO seat into catalyst for reforms, partnerships and transformation – ASA President

As Nigeria rejoins the International Maritime Organisation Council Category C, the country must turn the seat into a catalyst for reforms, partnerships, and maritime transformation at home, in Africa, and globally.

After 14 years, Nigeria won a seat at the IMO Council after a successful election last week. Other African countries that won the election are Liberia, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.

Speaking to PortNews on the development, the President of African Shipowners Association (ASA), Captain Ladi Olubowale, said the re-election is not just a victory for Nigeria and other African countries but a powerful affirmation of the Africa’s collective maritime voice, influence, and commitment to shaping the future of global shipping.

Captain Ladi Olubowale maintained that Nigeria’s re-election reflects the nation’s continued leadership and the strength of the reforms, partnerships, and policy direction championed by our maritime institutions.

The ASA President added that Nigeria’s successful re-election into the IMO Council is not the end of a campaign but the beginning of a stronger maritime leadership journey as the seat comes with influence, visibility, responsibility, and expectations.

Olubowale said “This remarkable achievement is not just a victory for each nation—it is a powerful affirmation of Africa’s collective maritime voice, influence, and commitment to shaping the future of global shipping. Nigeria’s re-election reflects our continued leadership and the strength of the reforms, partnerships, and policy direction championed by our maritime institutions. Liberia’s world-class ship registry, South Africa’s regional leadership, Egypt’s strategic importance through the Suez Canal, and Morocco’s growing port competitiveness together create a stronger, more unified African presence within the IMO.

“As Africa advances towards a safer, greener, and more innovative maritime future, your combined representation in Category C ensures that our shared priorities decarbonisation, seafarer development, regulatory alignment, and blue economy expansion remain firmly on the global agenda.

“Congratulations once again to all the elected Member States. Africa is rising, our voice is strengthening, and the future of maritime governance is brighter with your leadership at the table.”

Adding “Nigeria’s successful re-election into IMO Council Category C is not the end of a campaign. it is the beginning of a stronger maritime leadership journey. The seat comes with influence, visibility, responsibility, and expectations.

“Nigeria must turn its Council seat into a catalyst for reforms, partnerships, and maritime transformation at home, in Africa, and globally. With this mandate, Nigeria has the opportunity to: Lead Africa’s maritime policy direction, strengthen domestic shipping and port efficiency, build a greener, safer maritime environment, empower Nigerian seafarers and shipowners, reinforce Nigeria’s place as a global maritime leader.

Commending the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the leadership of NIMASA and Maritime stakeholder on the victory, Olubowale said “This achievement reflects your strategic vision, tireless diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s global maritime influence. Your coordinated leadership has not only secured Nigeria’s place at the IMO table, but has also reaffirmed our nation’s role as a driving force for safety, security, decarbonisation, and sustainable blue economy growth.

“The Minister and NIMASA leadership efforts have once again placed Nigeria firmly on the global maritime map. The election is a victory. What we do with it will be the legacy.”