Oyetola Charts Path to Nigeria’s Maritime Growth with National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reaffirmed the need for a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to catalyze sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Speaking during a stakeholders’ validation session held in Abuja, Oyetola emphasized that the policy would provide a robust framework for harnessing marine resources while addressing critical challenges in the sector.

The Minister highlighted the policy’s focus on creating economic opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining. He stressed that environmental sustainability remains a cornerstone of the proposed framework, which aims to tackle challenges such as environmental degradation and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

“A robust National Policy will ensure that we address these issues through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations,” Oyetola stated.

He lauded Nigeria’s progress in maritime governance, including a three-year streak of zero piracy incidents, achieved through the domestication of international conventions and strengthened safety frameworks. However, he noted that the recurring boat mishaps highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures across the nation’s waterways.

Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a regional and global leader in the marine and blue economy, adding that Nigeria is pursuing candidacy for Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to bolster its role in global maritime governance.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, described the validation session as a crucial step in shaping the National Policy. He noted that the draft document consists of nine parts, detailing Nigeria’s marine endowments and aspirations while addressing cross-cutting issues such as governance, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

The event attracted key stakeholders, including Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Barrister Akutah Pius, MON, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; and Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority. Other attendees included Ms. Funmi Folorunsho, President of the African Shipowners Association, and Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starz Marine.

As Nigeria takes steps toward finalizing the policy, stakeholders were urged to provide constructive input to ensure the document reflects the country’s unique needs while aligning with global best practices.