By Myke Uzendu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector and development partners to accelerate the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing sub-national participation as critical to unlocking the sector’s vast economic potential.
Speaking on Thursday at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Oyetola said the country had moved beyond policy formulation and must now focus on implementation capable of delivering tangible economic benefits.
According to a statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinola Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, the engagement themed: “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners, industry leaders, academics and representatives of state governments.
Oyetola said the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy had established a strategic framework for harnessing Nigeria’s oceans, inland waterways, fisheries and coastal resources, but stressed that its success depended on coordinated action across all levels of government.
According to him, many of the country’s marine assets are located within states and local communities, making state governments indispensable partners in attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening food security and promoting environmental sustainability.
The minister said reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had improved stakeholder engagement, enhanced maritime safety, attracted investments and boosted the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
He cited the 2025 Container Port Performance Index published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, which ranked Tin Can Island Port as the tenth most improved port globally and Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, as the twelfth most improved port between 2020 and 2025.
He added that ongoing port modernisation and plans to develop new deep seaports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Lagos and Ondo states would further strengthen Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s preferred maritime hub.
Oyetola also said improved port operations had contributed to Nigeria recording a consistent national trade surplus since 2024.
