Oyetola Outlines Key Development Plans At Stakeholders Forum

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has outlined key development plans, underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and stakeholders engagement to ensure transparency, innovation, and effective policy outcomes for the industry.

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Speaking at the 2nd quarter citizens and stakeholders engagement held in Lagos on Thursday, Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry‘s commitment to National Development and Policy Implementation, while acknowledging the diverse presence of government officials, industry experts, academia, and civil society representatives, emphasizing their collective dedication to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said the forum focused on the effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, adding that the policy provides a strategic framework to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s marine resources, covering critical sectors such as port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.

Highlighting the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a landmark reform, the Minister noted the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council adding that since the administration’s inception in 2023, the Ministry, in collaboration with its agencies, has achieved a commendable 75% performance score as evaluated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

The Minister stressed that the forum’s purpose was not merely ceremonial but a working session aimed at developing actionable frameworks, setting priorities, and clarifying institutional responsibilities. He.

This achievement, according to him, places the Ministry among the top-performing government agencies despite operational challenges.

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Oyetola who outlined several priority initiatives, including: modernization of port Infrastructure: contracts for reconstructing Apapa and Tin Can Ports under the Western Port rehabilitation programme have been approved added that, with procurement ongoing for Eastern Ports. Digital solutions such as the Port Community System and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance are being deployed to enhance efficiency and investor confidence.

Strengthening indigenous ehipping, the Minister reiterated the ongoing move for revival of a National Carrier through public-private partnerships through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is preparing to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators.

On revenue growth and trade facilitation, he pointed out that the digitization has driven consistent year-on-year growth, improved operational efficiency, and attracted private investment.

“The Ministry is also streamlining trade procedures and expanding investment in bonded terminals, dry ports, inland logistics corridors, and warehousing infrastructure, adding that “Nigeria is leading the operationalization of the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), headquartered in Abuja, to finance maritime infrastructure and promote cross-border trade.”

According to him “The Ministry, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has introduced new regulations, launched a water safety campaign, distributed safety jackets, deployed ferries and patrol boats, and trained water marshals to enhance safety and restore confidence in water transport.

“Following the transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, efforts are underway to revitalize fishing terminals, automate licensing, and encourage responsible private sector investment to boost food security and rural livelihoods.

On maritime security, the Minister added that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years through the Deep Blue Project, earning international commendation. Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has been endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council.

He further noted that “Nigeria has officially launched its bid for a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council to strengthen its role in global maritime governance.

Emphasis on Capacity Building and Stakeholder Collaboration , Oyetola emphasized that transitioning to a sustainable blue economy requires innovation, investment, policy coherence, and human capital development noting that the Ministry is prioritizing capacity building, research, and local content promotion across the maritime value chain.

He concluded by expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building the necessary institutional, legal, and international linkages to ensure the maritime sector’s robust contribution to Nigeria’s national development.

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