WMD 2025: Oyetola reaffirms govt’s commitment to making maritime key economic driver
WMD 2025: Oyetola reaffirms govt's commitment to making maritime key economic driver
Titi Adeleke
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Adegboyega Oyetola has called on maritime stakeholders to adopt a stewardship mindset rather than an exploitative one.
He made the call in view of against the backdrop of escalating global concerns over climate change and marine pollution saying Nigeria is turning its gaze to the ocean as a key driver of sustainable growth.
This year’s World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 celebration in Lagos came with the theme: The future of Nigeria’s maritime Sector Lies in Responsible, Sustainable Practices.
The Minister underscored the ocean’s vital role in global sustainability, noting that it generates most of the planet’s oxygen, facilitates over 80 percent of global trade, and supports the livelihoods of billions worldwide.
His words, “We must take decisive action to promote sustainable fishing, reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and enhance maritime safety and security,”
“These steps are not optional they are essential to the future of our economy and our very survival.”
Hon Oyetola highlighted the Progress and Vision for Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
Nigeria’s first Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the sector into a key driver of national economic growth and sustainability.
Speaking on the progress made since the creation of the ministry, Oyetola noted that significant strides have been recorded in the area of port modernization and maritime governance.
He emphasized that shipping remains central to the nation’s economic diffusion and that the scale of current reforms is aimed at making Nigeria’s ports more efficient, competitive, and aligned with global standards.
“Finance is the catalyst for growth in this sector,” the Minister said, highlighting that in the first quarter of the year, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) awarded the ministry a 90% performance score.
“This achievement proves we have the capacity to deliver. What remains is to sustain and expand these gains.”
The former governor of Osun State also celebrated Nigeria’s continued success in maintaining zero piracy incidents over the past three years, describing it as a milestone that reflects improved maritime security and international confidence in Nigeria’s waters.
He outlined key focus areas going forward, including:
-Strengthening import and port infrastructure
-Developing marine tourism and expanding blue trade
-Building a coastal highway that will unlock tourism potential along Nigeria’s shoreline
-Enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global shipping
-Ending fish importation by boosting domestic fish production and aquaculture.
“We are committed to putting an end to the importation of fish from other countries. With the resources at our disposal, Nigeria can and must become self-sufficient,” he said.
The Minister reiterated that the Marine and Blue Economy holds vast untapped potential and assured that the government remains focused on policies and actions that will unlock sustainable development, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for Nigerians.
