Switzerland Backs Nigeria’s Bid for IMO Category C Seat

Nigeria’s campaign for election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council has received a boost after Switzerland formally endorsed the country’s bid for a Category C seat for the 2026/2027 biennium.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received the endorsement letter last week during a visit from Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Felix Egloff.

“This support is a recognition of Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime standards,” Oyetola said, adding that the country’s vast maritime resources — including an exclusive economic zone extending over 16,300 kilometres — position it as a natural maritime nation.

The minister outlined Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, including a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, investments in inland waterways, and strengthened security through the Deep Blue Project, which has helped reduce piracy incidents to zero in the past three years.

Ambassador Egloff reaffirmed Switzerland’s support, describing Nigeria as “a strong candidate and an important country” within the multilateral maritime system.

The IMO elections are scheduled for October/November 2025.