MOWCA ministers throw weight behind Nigeria’s bid for IMO Council candidacy 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Ahead of the November 2025 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council election,Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu has commenced strategic consultations in support of Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the council.

Adalikwu in a letter to Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed that the MOWCA Bureau of Ministers have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s candidacy.

He disclosed further that he met with the minister of transport, Civil Aviation, merchant marine of the Republic of Congo with similar meeting with the Vice Prime Minister of The Democratic Republic of Congo and Minister of Transport, Communication and unlocking Routes where he got confirmation of their support for Nigeria’s candidacy .

The MOWCA SG said the issue was put before the 10th session of the organisation’s Bureau of Ministers on Thursday July 10,2025 where Nigeria was unanimously endorsed.

Earlier at a ferry safety conference held in Lagos in June, Adalikwu disclosed his plans to rally the 25 member organisation in support of Nigeria.

MOWCA’s 25 country bulk vote is expected to boost Nigeria’s chances for victory at the poll.

With the International Maritime Organisation Council elections draws closer (November-December 2025), Nigeria is stepping up its bid for a Category C seat on the council. As a candidate, Nigeria pledges to champion inclusivity, equity and climate-resilient maritime development, addressing pressing global challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

40 members are expected to be elected into the Council’s Assembly for the 2026-2027 biennium.