Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Government has applauded the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
In a letter dated January 28, 2026, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, commended the NIMASA helmsman for his “strategic leadership” and key role in securing Nigeria’s victory at the IMO Council elections held in London.
According to the Minister, Dr. Mobereola’s high-level engagements with IMO Member States, coupled with effective campaign coordination, were instrumental in Nigeria’s resounding success.
“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,” Oyetola stated.
He added that the DG’s role was vital in showcasing Nigeria’s maritime reforms and potential, which strengthened international confidence in the country.
“The Ministry commends your pivotal role in demonstrating Nigeria’s maritime potential and reforms, thereby bolstering the nation’s standing in the global maritime community. As a key member of the Inter-Ministerial Bid Committee, your contributions reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of the IMO and strengthened international maritime cooperation,” the Minister said.
The Federal Government also expressed confidence in Mobereola’s continued contributions toward advancing the nation’s maritime aspirations.
Responding, an elated Dr. Mobereola thanked the Minister for the commendation and acknowledged the leadership and guidance provided throughout the IMO election process. He attributed Nigeria’s success to the collective dedication of NIMASA staff and the support of industry stakeholders.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and the strong support of stakeholders, and it further challenges us to remain focused and committed in delivering on NIMASA’s mandate,” he said.
The NIMASA DG also urged staff of the Agency to recommit themselves to strengthening maritime safety, security, marine environmental protection, and capacity development areas central to Nigeria’s global maritime obligations.
Nigeria’s re-election into Category C of the IMO Council is widely regarded as a strategic foreign policy and economic win, reinforcing the country’s influence within the global maritime community and aligning with NIMASA’s statutory mandate as the nation’s maritime administration.