The federal government has intensified efforts to position Nigeria as a dominant maritime hub in West and Central Africa, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, unveiling the country’s blue economy agenda at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola spoke during a high-level panel session focused on “Blue Economy: Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation.”
The summit with the theme: “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, and development partners to discuss economic cooperation and innovation across the continent.
Oyetola said the federal government is implementing measures aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potentials, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023.
Key Highlights:
- Adegboyega Oyetola unveiled Nigeria’s blue economy agenda at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
- The Federal Government aims to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa through reforms in the marine and blue economy sector.
- Oyetola highlighted key achievements, including the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the development of Nigeria’s first national marine and blue economy policy.
- Agencies under the ministry reportedly generated N1.83 trillion in revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, according to the minister.
- The government has approved a major port modernisation programme intended to attract larger vessels, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s regional maritime competitiveness.
He said the ministry had since recorded major milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first national policy on marine and blue economy, designed to provide a framework for sustainable growth in the sector.
According to him, agencies under the ministry generated N1.83 trillion in revenue in the 2025 fiscal year.
Oyetola further disclosed that the federal government had approved a comprehensive port modernisation and upgrade programme expected to attract larger vessels and create more jobs.
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He said the modernisation drive would strengthen Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime gateway in the sub-region.
The summit was co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, with President Bola Tinubu also in attendance.
Oyetola described the gathering as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations, especially as it was the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
