Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector entered a decisive phase of renewal in 2025 following far-reaching reforms led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, according to his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Akinola said decades-old constraints limiting sectoral growth were dismantled under the Minister’s leadership, restoring confidence, improving performance and repositioning the sector as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. Notable milestones include the permanent resolution of the Apapa port gridlock, Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council after 14 years, and approval for the first comprehensive port modernisation in over 50 years.
He further disclosed that compliance certificates were issued for the Bakassi and Ondo Deep Sea Ports, clearing the way for accelerated investment and expanded port capacity. The establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) in 2025 also ended a 16-year stalemate in maritime financing, while the long-awaited activation of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) marked a major boost for indigenous ship ownership.
Akinola highlighted the Federal Executive Council’s approval of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as a historic policy breakthrough that provides a unified roadmap for shipping, ports, fisheries, marine tourism, offshore energy and environmental sustainability. He also noted sustained zero piracy incidents under the Deep Blue Project and a 300,000-metric-tonne increase in fish production in 2025 — the first in over a decade.
He said these achievements firmly position the sector for accelerated growth, assuring that Minister Oyetola remains committed to supporting indigenous operators, expanding fish production and consolidating reforms to deliver even greater outcomes in the years ahead.
Signed:
Dr Bolaji Akinola
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Bukar Dipcharima House
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
