Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Federal Government has issued formal commendation letters to nine members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for their exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.
Nigeria secured its seat during the IMO Council elections held on 28 November 2025 in London, an achievement that marked a major milestone in the nation’s maritime diplomacy and global engagement.
The commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026, were personally signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. In the letters, the Minister conveyed the Federal Government’s deep appreciation for the dedication, professionalism, and strategic coordination demonstrated by the committee members throughout Nigeria’s IMO election campaign.
The recipients of the commendation include:
• Olufemi Oloruntola, Chairman of the Committee and former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy;
• Babatunde Bombata, former Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department, FM MBE;
• Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA);
• Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA);
• Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu**, Director, International Organisations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• Dr Ade Dosunmu, former Director-General, NIMASA;
• Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister;
• Dr Paschal Ogar, Assistant Director, Maritime Safety and Security Department, FM MBE, and Secretary to the Committee;
• Mr William Balla, Nigeria’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.
Dr Oyetola praised the group for their strategic leadership and the crucial role they played in securing Nigeria’s win. According to him, their coordination, technical expertise, and sustained diplomatic engagement with IMO Member States were central to the country’s 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,” the Minister stated.
He further noted that the team’s efforts reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to IMO objectives while showcasing the nation’s maritime reforms, capacity and potential on the global stage. Their work, he added, contributed significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.
The Minister expressed confidence that the committee members would continue to advance Nigeria’s maritime ambitions and uphold the nation’s interests within global maritime governance structures.