The Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, on Nigeria’s resounding return to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
The congratulatory message was contained in a press statement signed by the National President of WABOTAN, Mr Babatope Fajemirokun.
Fajemirokun said the development marks a historic milestone for Nigeria, which on Friday reclaimed its seat on the IMO Council following a decisive victory in the Category C election for the 2026–2027 biennium. Nigeria’s return, announced during the IMO General Assembly in London, is the first in 14 years and restores the nation’s influence in shaping global maritime policies.
He commended President Tinubu for providing the leadership that strengthened Nigeria’s maritime institutions and advanced key reforms, which, he noted, contributed significantly to the positive perception of the country among IMO member states.
WABOTAN also praised the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who led Nigeria’s delegation and coordinated a yearlong global diplomatic campaign that culminated in the victory. The association described the Minister’s role as pivotal in projecting Nigeria’s renewed commitment to maritime security, safety, and blue economy development.
“Dr. Oyetola’s strategic engagements across continents and his dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector clearly paid off with this victory,” the statement read.
The association further extended its felicitations to the former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, for his contributions to strengthening the inland waterways sub-sector, which forms a critical component of Nigeria’s maritime identity.
According to details from the election, Nigeria secured broad support from IMO member nations following sustained diplomatic outreach and sectoral reforms that enhanced global confidence in the country’s maritime administration. Speaking after the announcement of results, Oyetola described the outcome as a major endorsement of the security improvements and policy initiatives driven under President Tinubu’s administration.
WABOTAN urged all maritime stakeholders to leverage the momentum of Nigeria’s reinstatement on the IMO Council to deepen collaboration, improve safety standards, and accelerate blue economy development.
The association expressed optimism that Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council will open fresh opportunities for growth, investment, and global partnerships in the maritime domain.