The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday led a high-level citizens and stakeholders forum in Lagos, aimed at accelerating the implementation of Nigeria’s newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
Themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy”, the forum convened actors from across government, industry, academia and civil society to forge a unified, action-oriented strategy for the transformation of the marine sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Oyetola described the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as one of the most visionary reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. He said the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the national policy marked a major turning point, offering a structured framework to unlock value from Nigeria’s vast marine ecosystem.
“This policy framework will help us harness the economic, environmental, and social potential of our marine assets – ports, inland waterways, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy and climate resilience,” the minister stated.
He stressed that the forum was not ceremonial but designed as a practical working session to develop an implementation roadmap with clearly assigned institutional responsibilities, measurable deliverables and robust accountability mechanisms.
Oyetola emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, capacity building, and citizen engagement, citing global evidence that inclusive policymaking leads to stronger and more sustainable development outcomes, especially in complex sectors like the marine economy.
Highlighting the ministry’s progress since its inception, he noted that it earned a 75 per cent performance score in 2024, as evaluated by the central results delivery coordination unit under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. This score, he added, places the ministry among the top-performing MDAs despite institutional challenges.
He praised the ministry’s delivery task teams for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum.
On port infrastructure development, Oyetola announced that the Federal Government has commenced reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can ports under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme, with procurement processes underway for similar works in the eastern ports. These upgrades are complemented by digital innovations, including the port community system, an electronic call-up platform and a one-stop-shop for port clearance – all designed to reduce congestion and boost investor confidence.
“Our vision is to re-establish Nigeria as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa. Infrastructure, efficiency and transparency are key,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to reviving indigenous shipping capacity through a public-private partnership model for a National Carrier. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has begun preparatory work to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund transparently, aiming to expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators.
In the area of logistics, he noted steady improvements in revenue and operational efficiency across agencies, driven by digitisation. He added that investments are increasing in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors and warehousing, helping position Nigeria as the logistics gateway for the region.
On regional cooperation, Oyetola confirmed Nigeria’s leadership in operationalising the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA). The bank, which will be headquartered in Abuja, is expected to provide long-term financing for maritime infrastructure projects.
He outlined major achievements in inland waterways development, including the implementation of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation, 2023 and the launch of a national water safety campaign. Through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), over 42,000 safety jackets have been distributed, patrol boats deployed, ferries modernised and water marshals trained. These measures, he said, have significantly reduced water travel accidents and restored public trust in inland transport.
Turning to aquaculture and fisheries, Oyetola said the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the ministry has catalysed efforts to reposition the sector. Initiatives underway include the revival of moribund fishing terminals, automation of licensing systems and investor incentives to support sustainable aquaculture.
Maritime security, he said, remains central to the Ministry’s agenda. Through the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years. This achievement has drawn international commendation and contributed to regional maritime stability.
He further revealed that Nigeria’s proposal to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has received endorsement from the AU Peace and Security Council.
On international diplomacy, Oyetola disclosed that Nigeria is campaigning for a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. He said this would allow Nigeria to play a bigger role in shaping global maritime policy and governance.
“Achieving a sustainable blue economy will require continuous innovation, policy coherence, investment mobilisation and human capital development,” he said.
The minister thanked stakeholders for their continued partnership and called for a renewed sense of urgency and collective ownership of the national policy. “We must work as one team, one vision and one nation to make our blue economy thrive,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Michael reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to inclusive implementation. He explained that the central results delivery coordination unit now mandates quarterly stakeholder engagements to ensure transparency and foster collective responsibility.
Oloruntola praised Minister Oyetola’s leadership and acknowledged the role of stakeholders in driving the ministry’s reform efforts.
Participants at the forum included heads of maritime agencies, shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers, women’s organisations and representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Nigerian Technology Development Agency and several academic and research institutions.
In breakout sessions and panel discussions, participants explored strategies for local content promotion, port modernisation, climate-smart marine agriculture, gender inclusion and youth empowerment in the maritime sector.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to turn the policy blueprint into visible results through collaboration, innovation, investment and accountability.
As Nigeria positions itself as a regional and global maritime leader, the structured rollout of its National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy marks a defining chapter in its journey toward sustainable development, economic diversification and ocean stewardship.
