The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has announced that Nigeria will commemorate the World Maritime Day , with the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” in lagos on September 25th, 2025.
The commemoration is designed to raise awareness about the collective responsibility of nations and citizens to safeguard the ocean while exploring the economic and social opportunities it presents. It highlights the need for sustainable use of marine resources to ensure their preservation for future generations.
This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Chairman Mobilization and Publicity Sub-Committee, Hajia Lami Tumaka, on 23rd September, 2025.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the citizenry in harnessing the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector. He noted that protecting the ocean is not only an ecological necessity but also a pathway to unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.
On his part, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, emphasized the vital role of oceans in regulating the climate, sustaining biodiversity, and facilitating global trade. He warned that human activities such as pollution, ocean warming, acidification, and overfishing are putting marine ecosystems under intense strain.
Dominguez called for urgent global cooperation to adopt sustainable practices, reduce pollution, and protect marine life.
“While human activity has caused the damage, it also holds the key to restoring the ocean presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for a healthier, safer future,” he said.
