The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for innovation, security, and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM 7.0) held on Friday at the University of Lagos, the minister declared a sweeping commitment to overhaul critical port infrastructure, drive digital transformation, and entrench environmentally responsible practices across the industry.
Delivering his address, which was presented by Dr. Mercy Ilori Olanike, Director of Maritime Services, Oyetola described the establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as a deliberate step by the Bola Tinubu administration to harness Nigeria’s vast coastal and marine assets for national development. He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to serve as the strategic framework for unlocking opportunities in ports, fisheries, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future,” Oyetola declared, adding that innovation must drive Nigeria’s approach to port rehabilitation, environmental safeguards, service delivery, and industry partnerships.
The minister revealed that the Federal Government has already begun an aggressive rehabilitation of critical port infrastructure. “We are advancing the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, including the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. Procurement processes are ongoing for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Ports,” he said.
Oyetola further disclosed that physical upgrades are being matched with digital initiatives such as the Port Community System and the One-Stop-Shop platform, which are already improving operational efficiency and reducing cargo delays.
On shipping development, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the National Carrier through a public-private partnership. He also noted that the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) would soon be disbursed to indigenous operators to boost local shipping capacity. According to him, the ministry’s digitalisation push across its agencies is already yielding tangible results in revenue generation, transparency, and service efficiency.
While stressing that infrastructure growth would not come at the expense of the environment, Oyetola said the ministry is prioritising sustainable, energy-efficient port development. “We are making deliberate efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, and encourage recycling across the maritime value chain,” he added.
On security, the minister pointed to the success of the Deep Blue Project in combating piracy, boasting that Nigeria has now recorded three consecutive years of zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters. He stated that this achievement has stabilised the Gulf of Guinea and earned Nigeria global recognition. Oyetola further revealed that Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union’s Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has been endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council.
As part of Nigeria’s bid to shape global maritime policies, Oyetola disclosed that the country has formally launched its campaign to secure a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
Looking to the future, the minister urged Nigerian universities and young professionals to lead research into frontier technologies such as marine robotics, which he described as key to revolutionising underwater surveillance, infrastructure inspection, and ocean monitoring. He pledged the ministry’s readiness to partner with academia and innovation hubs to develop indigenous solutions for the sector.
Earlier, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group and convener of the conference, had called for urgent investment in modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure to unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Afolabi who was represented by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, The Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, stressed that Nigeria’s vast coastline could become a catalyst for job creation, port competitiveness, and foreign investment if properly harnessed.
Also speaking at the event, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Vice President Port Consultative Council (PCC) (in a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Mrs. Gloria Kanabe, underscored the need for smart, green, and inclusive port systems as critical drivers for the sustainable growth of the maritime sector.
Anishere emphasized that the Blue Economy must go beyond economic growth to ensure environmental protection and regional connectivity. She urged students and young professionals to see themselves as architects of a sustainable maritime future, calling on them to embrace innovation, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
“The oceans we build on must be the oceans we protect. Our choices in infrastructure and development will determine whether we harness their potential wisely or irreversibly damage them,” she warned.
In his welcome remarks, Aderounmu Enoch Adewunmi, President of the Maritime Forum at the University of Lagos, charged young people to see themselves not as future leaders but as leaders of today. He emphasized the urgent need for proactive leadership, ethical responsibility, continuous innovation, and inclusive partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
Adewunmi highlighted the Maritime Forum’s 10-year journey, which has empowered thousands of students through mentorship, internships, and high-impact programs, including the Maritime Masterclass, an educational excursion to Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the launch of the Jean Chiazor National Essay Competition. He urged his fellow students to lead boldly and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference, a collaboration between SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos, has grown into one of the most respected intellectual platforms for maritime discourse in Nigeria, bridging the gap between students and industry stakeholders.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s resolve to build a maritime future that is resilient, inclusive, technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and globally competitive. He called for sustained collaboration among government, industry, and academia to realise this shared vision.
