Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on international investors to tap into the vast opportunities in the country’s marine and blue economy, describing the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly during the London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernisation, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices.
The minister emphasised that Nigeria has made significant progress in maritime security, eliminating piracy in its waters and contributing to a sharp decline in incidents across the Gulf of Guinea. With its state-of-the-art facilities and capacity to berth the world’s largest vessels, the Lekki Deep Sea Port is expected to serve as a vital transshipment hub for landlocked African nations.
Oyetola also stressed the importance of sustainable growth, insisting that the blue economy must drive profit while safeguarding the environment. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to green shipping practices, eco-friendly port infrastructure, and climate-resilient coastal management strategies.
The minister urged investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of investing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s participation in LISW presents an unparalleled opportunity to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen advocacy for Africa’s interests in global maritime governance.
Furthermore, Oyetola called for regulatory harmonisation across Africa’s maritime sector, citing the need to remove non-tariff barriers and implement continental instruments like the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter.
He also sought support for Nigeria’s candidature for election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium, emphasising that a vote for Nigeria is a vote for a proven leader in maritime security and advocate for African interests.