The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has said Nigeria can unlock significant economic opportunities, create jobs and increase government revenue by fully harnessing its marine and blue economy resources. Oyetola spoke in his hometown, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, where he marked his 72nd birthday with special prayers and a gathering of family members, friends and associates.
The minister said Nigeria was richly endowed with marine resources, including about 853 kilometres of coastline and thousands of kilometres of inland waterways, stressing that the resources could contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development if properly harnessed. According to him, the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aimed at unlocking the country’s untapped maritime potential for job creation, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Oyetola said the ministry had, within about three years of its establishment, introduced policies and initiatives designed to create an enabling environment for investment in the sector. He said, “Nigeria is blessed with a lot of resources, particularly marine resources. We have 853 kilometres of coastline and about 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways. All these things are assets until they are unlocked.
“The essence of creating the ministry is to unlock the potentials and resources that we have, to create jobs, economic growth and environmental stability.” The former Osun State governor also listed improvements in maritime security and safety as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the sector. He disclosed that Nigeria had regained a position in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C after about 15 years, describing the development as a significant achievement for the country.
On fisheries, Oyetola said the government was working to strengthen local production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish. He said fish production had increased from about 1.3 million tonnes to approximately 1.5 million tonnes, adding that the government was also focused on building the capacity of local fishermen. The minister further disclosed that measures were being implemented to reduce boat mishaps on the country’s inland waterways through increased advocacy, distribution of life jackets and the removal of rickety boats from operation.
According to him, the government is also addressing the use of unsafe boats and overloading, which he identified as some of the factors contributing to accidents on the waterways. Oyetola said port modernisation was another major component of the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, noting that Nigeria was losing revenue and maritime business to neighbouring countries partly because of limitations in the draft of some of its ports.
He explained that efforts were ongoing to increase the draft of existing ports from about 13 metres to between 16 and 18 metres to enable them to accommodate larger vessels. He said the modernisation programme covered existing ports across the country, including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt. Oyetola also highlighted the development of deep-sea ports as critical to improving Nigeria’s position in international maritime trade.
He said the Lekki Deep Sea Port was currently operational, while discussions and partnerships were ongoing for the development of additional deep-sea port facilities. The minister disclosed that he recently witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a deep-sea port in the state, with a proposed draft of not less than 18 metres.
He said such projects would improve efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time and stimulate trade and other economic activities. Oyetola reiterated his appreciation to President Tinubu for creating a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the sector had the capacity to become an important driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification. Meanwhile, the APC governorship candidate in the 2026 Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, described Oyetola as his boss, leader and mentor.
Oyebamiji, who spoke at the birthday gathering, prayed for longevity, good health, grace and abundant blessings for the minister. He also commended Oyetola for what he described as his generosity and support for the less privileged and members of his political family. “I’m happy to be here this morning to honour my boss, my leader and my mentor on his birthday. My prayer is for Almighty Allah to grant him longevity of life with an abundance of grace and blessings,” Oyebamiji said.
He added, “I want to appreciate the Honourable Minister for spreading his wealth and for distributing his income to people, both the indigent and party members here today. I wish him long life, and I pray that Almighty Allah bestows on him good health.”
