The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potential through strategic policies aimed at expanding the sector beyond oil and gas.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, made this assertion on Wednesday in Enugu while delivering a keynote address at the second Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
The two-day conference, themed Navigating the Future: Anchoring Sustainability While Bridging the Gap Between Economic Growth and Marine Preservation, provided a platform for discussions on sustainable maritime development.
Represented by the Director of Maritime Services in the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, Oyetola highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance marine environmental protection, combat pollution, and safeguard aquatic ecosystems.
“As we navigate this new course, our priorities must centre on sustainability, environmental conservation, and inclusive community participation,” he stated.
He emphasised that the ministry had taken deliberate steps to fortify the sector’s regulatory, legal, institutional, and policy frameworks to ensure effective governance.
“A sound policy framework has been painstakingly developed to regulate and direct activities within the marine and blue economy. We are committed to ensuring that these processes yield tangible outcomes,” he added.
According to Oyetola, President Bola Tinubu remains determined to harness the full potential of the marine economy to boost employment and economic growth.
He noted that the government is leveraging private sector investments and advanced technology to modernise maritime infrastructure and operations.
“Our ongoing initiatives include the modernisation of both Western and Eastern Ports, a move projected to generate over 20,000 direct jobs,” he revealed.
Other key projects include the establishment of Fish Terminals/Harbours, Inland Dry Ports, modern shipyards, a National Shipping Carrier, and digital platforms for sector transactions—all driven by private-sector partnerships.
The minister commended the conference’s organisers for promoting knowledge-sharing and fostering collaboration in the maritime sector.
Earlier, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, underscored the critical role of Nigeria’s oceans and coastal zones in global commerce, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Represented by Professor Ike Agbaeze, he noted that industrialisation and environmental challenges necessitate collective efforts to balance economic growth with marine conservation.
The Director of the Institute, Professor Florence Orabueze, highlighted the increasing global demand for marine resources, cautioning against overexploitation, pollution, and climate change threats.
“We must strike a balance between economic progress and the health of our marine ecosystems,” she asserted.
A key highlight of the event was a presentation titled Blue Economy – New Opportunities for Nigeria, delivered by renowned environmental and climate change expert, Professor Christian Madu.
Additionally, Fellowship Awards were conferred on Minister Oyetola and former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, among other distinguished personalities.
