Nigeria returns to IMO Category C after 14 years

…as Piracy Hits Zero in 48 Months

NIGERIA has been elevated into the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Category ‘C’ for 2026-2027, ending a 14 year absence.

Minister of Defense, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, who confirmed the development said the new status was earned on
zero piracy attacks in Nigerian waters for 48 months.

The Minister was speaking at the graduation of 2026 Batch of the Deep Blue Project’s Advance Combat Training Programme and commissioning of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State

The nation’s return to its Category ‘C’ seat at the global maritime decision making IMO comprising 20 states with special interests in maritime transport and navigation positions her as a major hub in West and Central Africa.

Musa explained, “The Deep Blue Project has enabled Nigeria to be rated ‘C’ by the international community. It is boosting foreign direct investment and the nation’s economic growth.”

Nigeria’s comeback began in 2023 when the country was delisted from the War Risk Insurance Category after recording one full year without piracy, according to UK-based insurers.

The Deep Blue Project, coordinated by NIMASA and comprising the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and DSS, is credited with the turnaround.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the four-year record of zero piracy reflects “Nigeria’s strategic resolve to secure our maritime resources. It has promoted Nigeria’s global recognition as a responsible maritime nation.”

The Director General, NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the Gulf of Guinea has recorded no piracy incident since 2022, describing it as a “huge achievement.”

“The project ensures real-time situational awareness and reporting to neutralise threats to national assets in the maritime space. NIMASA remains committed to strengthening the gains achieved through the Deep Blue Project.”

Commodore S.O. Ohunenese, Project Coordinator of Deep Blue, said the major success was Nigeria’s delisting from piracy-prone countries, attributing the feat to inter-agency collaboration among military services.

The Elele ceremony featured tactical demonstrations by Deep Blue personnel and the commissioning of a UAV workshop. Assets including drones and intelligence-gathering equipment were also exhibited.

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