The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the full and accelerated implementation of the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
He called on the top management of the ministry and its agencies to recommit themselves to effective leadership, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and measurable performance outcomes that align with national priorities.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Sectoral Retreat for senior officials of the Ministry and its agencies, held in Abuja, the minister described the gathering as a defining moment for reflection, strategic realignment, and purposeful engagement.
He emphasised that the retreat should not be treated as a routine administrative exercise, but as a vital opportunity to assess the sector’s current direction and reposition it for impactful delivery in line with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Oyetola stressed that the Marine and Blue Economy has been positioned at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy and that the ministry’s leadership must drive this vision with urgency, professionalism and discipline.
He outlined several key milestones already achieved by the ministry, including ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure, implementation of the National Single Window platform, enhancements in port efficiency, increased maritime security, expanded aquaculture and fisheries programmes and the commencement of the long-anticipated disbursement process of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
He described the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council as a foundational achievement that sets the tone for the sector’s long-term transformation. With the policy now formally adopted, Oyetola stressed that the focus must shift to thorough and consistent implementation.
The minister urged all departments and agencies to internalise the policy’s strategic priorities and translate them into actionable programmes that deliver real results for Nigerians.
He called for disciplined execution anchored in improved coordination, digital innovation, transparency, environmental stewardship, and institutional accountability.
Oyetola challenged every agency to treat the performance bonds signed during the retreat not as symbolic formalities but as binding commitments to produce concrete, time-bound outcomes that contribute meaningfully to national GDP growth, job creation, improved port operations, regulatory compliance and enhanced revenue mobilisation.
The minister also spotlighted Nigeria’s ongoing campaign for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, which he described as a critical strategic objective.
He pledged that the ministry would continue to lead in diplomatic engagement and global outreach, but emphasised that every agency must contribute by demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness and relevance in shaping global maritime affairs.
Delivering his remarks at the retreat, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola echoed the minister’s charge for urgent action and policy delivery.
He said the ministry stands at a pivotal point in the implementation of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, adding that under Oyetola’s visionary leadership, the ministry had made commendable progress.
The perm. sec. pointed to the approval of the new policy as a landmark milestone, but noted that it must now be followed by sustained implementation, accountability, and results.
Oloruntola described the retreat as a critical platform for identifying and removing execution bottlenecks, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and outlining clear steps toward making the Marine and Blue Economy a major pillar of Nigeria’s development agenda.
He revealed that a central component of the retreat was the signing of performance bonds by the heads of agencies, tied to clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs). This, he said, reflects a sector-wide commitment to transparency, measurable performance and service excellence.
He commended the heads of agencies for embracing this culture of accountability and for their readiness to cascade these responsibilities throughout their respective organisations.
He stressed the need for continued collaboration between agency leadership and the ministry’s central management, pointing out that while the minister provides the strategic vision, it is the job of senior officials to ensure that the vision becomes a tangible reality.
Oloruntola expressed deep appreciation for the consistent leadership of Oyetola, whose clarity of purpose, dedication, and results-driven approach, he said, have been instrumental in guiding the ministry’s transformation journey. He also recognised the critical support of the National Assembly committees overseeing the sector, particularly the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, chaired by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun and the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration led by Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
According to him, their oversight, collaboration and legislative backing have significantly reinforced the Ministry’s reform efforts and strengthened its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
