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By [Omu Fidelis]
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to transform the maritime and logistics industries into key drivers of sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
Oyetola made this known during the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, held in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Oyetola said the government’s new approach places innovation, infrastructure reform, and sustainability at the core of its maritime development strategy.
He described the CILT Conference as a vital platform for professional dialogue and policy collaboration, adding that the event’s focus reflects the growing global recognition of the Blue Economy as a major pathway for economic diversification and job creation.
Unlocking the Potential of Nigeria’s Maritime Wealth
Oyetola emphasised that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and expansive inland waterways present immense untapped opportunities for trade, logistics, and transport development. According to him, efficiently harnessing these resources could turn the sector into a central pillar of national revenue generation.
He explained that the Blue Economy is not just about maritime trade, but about using the ocean and inland waters sustainably — creating jobs, boosting exports, and improving livelihoods while preserving marine ecosystems.
“The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly by sea, land, and air remains the lifeblood of commerce and industrial growth,” Oyetola said, stressing that efficient transport systems are the backbone of every strong economy.
Government’s Strategic Reforms and Projects
The minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration views the maritime sector as a vital alternative to oil revenue, hence the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Since its creation, several initiatives have been launched to modernise ports, improve maritime safety, and revitalise inland waterways. Among them is the $1 billion Lagos Port Modernisation Project, aimed at boosting cargo handling capacity, improving logistics efficiency, and aligning operations with global best practices.
Similar port upgrades, Oyetola said, are planned for other regions to ensure balanced growth across Nigeria’s maritime gateways.
He also highlighted the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has resulted in zero piracy incidents for over three years, restoring investor confidence and reducing operational costs in Nigeria’s waters.
A 10-Year Blueprint for the Future
Oyetola further announced the unveiling of a 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy, designed to integrate maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development policies. The goal, he said, is to achieve economic growth without compromising environmental sustainability or social inclusion.
“Our focus is to ensure that this growth empowers coastal communities, fosters innovation, and leaves a sustainable legacy for future generations,” he said.
CILT’s Role in Building Professional Capacity
In her remarks, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, President of CILT Nigeria, commended the Ministry’s direction and reiterated the institute’s commitment to supporting the government’s reforms.
She described CILT Nigeria as one of the continent’s most dynamic professional bodies, with 13 state chapters and internationally recognised certifications. Usoro credited the institute’s success to strategic partnerships with the Maritime Academy, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Bureau of Public Procurement, and the African Centre for Supply Chain, among others.
She revealed that CILT Nigeria’s revenue had grown by over 240% between 2022 and 2025, thanks to prudent management and digital transformation. Nigerian professionals, she added, are now gaining increasing visibility within CILT International, serving on global committees and representing the nation in key international discussions.
Self-Analysis: Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Economy
The renewed focus on the Blue Economy signals a major shift in Nigeria’s development strategy — one that aligns with the global move towards sustainable, ocean-based growth.
From a business and economic standpoint, port modernisation and improved logistics efficiency could significantly reduce Nigeria’s trade bottlenecks, lower import/export costs, and increase competitiveness in the West African region.
The elimination of piracy incidents through the Deep Blue Project also sends a strong signal to investors that Nigeria’s maritime environment is becoming safer for business.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend heavily on implementation consistency, private sector participation, and infrastructure financing. Without these, reforms may not fully translate into tangible benefits for small businesses, shipping firms, and coastal communities.
Overall, Oyetola’s roadmap positions the Blue Economy as one of the most promising frontiers for Nigeria’s diversification agenda — one capable of unlocking billions in trade value while promoting sustainability and innovation.
