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Nigeria Re-Elected to IMO Council After 14 Years

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Nigeria returns to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under Category C after 14 years, following a successful campaign led by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.

Nigeria Returns to IMO Council

Nigeria has been successfully elected into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium, marking the country’s return to the global maritime decision-making body after a 14-year absence.

The diplomatic victory was achieved through an extensive international campaign led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and represents a significant milestone for Nigeria’s maritime diplomacy.

Campaign and Rationale

The successful election followed over a year of strategic diplomacy and global engagement, coordinated by Minister Oyetola and a technical committee of maritime experts.

The campaign emphasized Nigeria’s reforms, achievements, and renewed commitment to international maritime standards.

Enhanced Maritime Security

Nigeria showcased the success of its Deep Blue Project, which has achieved zero piracy incidents in Nigerian territorial waters for three consecutive years.
This milestone restored global confidence in the safety of shipping through the Gulf of Guinea, a region once considered one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones.

Blue Economy Vision

The campaign aligned the objectives of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy with global priorities for sustainable ocean governance, marine resource management, and climate-resilient development.

Commitment to International Standards

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to acceding to new IMO instruments on greenhouse gas emissions, pollution control, and maritime labor rights, underscoring its readiness to meet global compliance benchmarks.

Benefits of Council Membership

Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council is expected to deliver strategic and economic benefits to the nation’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

Global Influence

Membership grants Nigeria a voice in shaping international shipping regulations and policies, strengthening its role in global maritime governance.

Investor Confidence

The election is projected to boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, port operations, and blue economy initiatives, attracting new partnerships and funding.

Technical Support

Nigeria will gain enhanced access to IMO technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and policy support to further develop its maritime safety, security, and environmental frameworks.

Minister Oyetola’s Reaction

Minister Adegboyega Oyetola described the election as a “landmark endorsement” of the world’s renewed confidence in Nigeria’s maritime reforms and potential for leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He noted that the victory reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in international maritime affairs and its commitment to sustainable ocean development.

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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