•Says Nigeria records zero piracy incident in three years
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has engaged stakeholders and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to design actionable frameworks, set priorities and assign institutional responsibilities for the implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
He said the policy encompasses port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism and climate resilience, noting that the ministry, in collaboration with its agencies, is committed to the effective implementation of the ministerial deliverables assigned to it.
Oyetola disclosed this yesterday at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement titled, “Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy’, in Lagos.
“Global trends have shown that effective citizen engagement and shared ownership of public policies yield better development outcomes. In a world facing complex, interconnected challenges, the voices of citizens and stakeholders are essential for driving innovation, ensuring transparency and enhancing the legitimacy of government action,” he stated.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry plans to revive critical fishing terminals, automate licensing systems and incentivise responsible private investments in both artisanal and commercial aquaculture.
He said this followed the formal transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that his administration is repositioning the sector as a key contributor to food security and rural livelihoods.
Oyetola disclosed that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years, which was achieved through the Deep Blue Project. He said the achievement has earned Nigeria commendation from the international community and contributed to regional maritime stability.
“We are also proud that Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has received endorsement from the AU Peace and Security Council,” he said.
Oyetola stated that the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) marks a critical turning point that provides a comprehensive framework to unlock value across the nation’s marine ecosystems.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Bolaji Sunmolal, applauded the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. According to him, the policy is a transformative blueprint, promising a future where maritime assets become pivotal to job creation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
“We must intensify our commitment to local content enforcement as the nation’s ports must now prioritise Indigenous participation in shipping, terminal operations, and maritime services. National/Indigenous companies must not just be present—they must be protected and empowered to lead,” he stated.
Sumola added that the government must ensure that upgraded/modernised infrastructures are smart, green, and accessible.
He also called for the need to ensure that the nation’s inland connectivity by rail, water and road, is seamless to avoid the congestion trap of the past.
