As Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola marks his one-year anniversary as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry have expressed mixed reactions, with many criticizing the slow pace of progress under his leadership.
The stakeholders, in a chat with our correspondent noted that despite initial optimism about his appointment, expressed frustrations by what they perceive as missed opportunities, unfulfilled promises, and lack of decisive action on critical issues, om the part of the minister.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that when Oyetola assumed office, there were widespread expectations that his tenure would bring about transformative changes in the maritime and blue economy sectors, especially given his track record as a former governor with a reputation for effective governance.
However, stakeholders from the various segments of the industry now lament that the minister has fallen short of their expectations.
A shipowner, Prince Ayorinde Adedoyin, and a prominent maritime expert and industry leader, acknowledged Oyetola’s ambitious vision for the blue economy, but pointed out the persistent challenges that have hindered the anticipated progress.
He said: “Oyetola came into office with a clear vision to transform Nigeria’s marine sector. His emphasis on sustainability and economic diversification through the blue economy is commendable. However, the lack of adequate funding and bureaucratic bottlenecks have slowed the implementation of some of these initiatives,” Adedoyin noted.
He also emphasized the need for a more robust collaboration between the government and private sector to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.
When asked if he sees the controversial Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund CVFF being disbursed under this minister, Adedoyin expressed skepticism, even as he questioned its purpose and impact. “Even we, the ship owners, have we cleaned our house to make it even suitable enough for us to get the disbursement?” he asked.
Also speaking, another shipowner; Otunba Sola Olatunji and a member of Nigeria Indigenous Shipowners Association, expressed skepticism about the future of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, predicting that little would change without deliberate government intervention.
“In terms of operational mileage, intervention, and development of shipping as the core mandate of the ministry of Marine and Blue economy, nothing has changed in the last one year.
“We have had a couple of stakeholders meeting with robust conversations, but we have yet to see changes in the policy direction of the ministry. Nigerian Shipowners Association members are yet to feel any positive impacts of their policy in the last one year”, he said.
Also speaking, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, (NAMM) provided a nuanced perspective on the challenges and expectations surrounding the new ministry. He acknowledged that the first year was a challenging period for the Minister, especially considering the responsibility of driving a new ministry that stakeholders had long been agitating for”.
He highlighted that the initial year involved laying the groundwork to drive the ministry effectively. According to him, the blue economy is not just a Nigerian initiative; it is an international calling, referencing the Rio Assembly in 2000 and 2020. “It’s an international approach to create this ministry. And we have done that in Nigeria; we ratified and have put it to effect. And we are driving it.”
Capt. Alao also pointed out that while the progress might appear slow to those on land, it is not necessarily so, given that Nigeria is venturing into areas that were not previously sustainable. He emphasized the need for proper guidance to ensure the sustainability of activities such as fishing and sand mining, which had been ongoing, but without a sustainable framework.
“I believe in another one year; we should be on the right path. We have been in the maritime business, but we were doing it in an unsustainable way. Now, we are tasked to do it sustainably,” he stated. He also expressed optimism that the maritime industry should experience positive growth in the near future, rather than wait till the end of the Minister’s tenure.
However, Capt. Alao acknowledged the challenges the Ministry faces in positioning Nigeria for international recognition, such as achieving Category ‘C’ status in the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He noted that while the Minister is eager to take on this responsibility, gaps remain that need to be addressed, particularly in areas like security.
On the part of the freight forwarders, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji, President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), offered a supportive perspective, emphasizing the need to give the minister more time to build the newly-created ministry.
He acknowledged the challenges Oyetola faces, as he did not inherit an established ministry, but rather had to create it from the scratch. Nwokeoji suggested that the focus in the second year should be on clearly defining the ministry’s role and expanding its functions to harness the full potential of the blue economy for Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I think it’s too early to start rating him. He did not inherit a ministry. Rather, he’s the ‘foundation’ minister of that ministry. There were a lot of things. Nothing was in place. It must have taken a lot of time to harmonize things between that ministry and other ministries like transport, you know.
“So, let’s give him some time to build. It’s not easy. I believe that the first of all, it’s a welcome idea, the ministry, creating that blue economy ministry.
“But I think the area they need to focus on this time as they move into the second year is to let the people know actually what the ministry stands for. Blue economy encompasses a whole lot of things. The people are wealthy.
“And they should expand that ministry because it’s a ministry that will play a major role in turning the economy around if the proper setting is, or the proper things are done.
“Rather than just concentrating on existing functions, let them open up that ministry, so that areas that have been silenced can contribute meaningfully to the growth of this economy can be harnessed. So, I think that should be their focus for the second year” he said.
Speaking also, Mr Kingsley Igwe, NAGAFF General Secretary shared that while the Minister, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, might have the capability, the policy direction of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains unclear, particularly concerning freight forwarding.
Igwe emphasized that he hasn’t seen any significant changes that could impact the industry positively. He expressed disappointment in the lack of a regional vision or strategy, especially in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He believes that Nigeria has the potential to be the regional logistics hub of West Africa but that this requires the Ministry to work closely with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment.
Igwe drew parallels with the Asian region, where countries like Singapore and Malaysia aggressively positioned themselves as logistic hubs through infrastructure development and policy initiatives.
He stressed the importance of Nigeria capitalizing on its strategic position and extensive hinterland, which includes access to landlocked countries like Niger and Chad, to attract international shipping and logistics businesses.
He also pointed out the need for liberalizing cargo destinations and origins to enhance the nation’s competitiveness.
Igwe also discussed the broader potential of the marine and blue economy beyond transportation, highlighting opportunities in resource extraction and sustainable economic activities.
He called for policies that encourage local and diaspora investments, citing examples like Singapore’s approach to incentivizing its expatriates to return and contribute to the national economy. Igwe concluded by stating that while he does not advocate for a change in leadership, the Minister must assemble the right team and formulate effective policies to make a meaningful impact, before the current administration’s term ends.
Mr Aloga Ogbogo, Executive Secretary of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), also shared a more measured view, noting that one year is too early to fully assess the ministry’s performance, given the long-term nature of investments in the maritime sector.
However, he pointed out that there has not been sufficient cargo movement through the ports, which is critical for the transportation sector.
He highlighted ongoing engagements with stakeholders, particularly regarding the development of the Lekki Free Zone, but cautioned that the sector’s true potential may not be realized for another one or two years.
