The federal government has unveiled plans to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security framework and scale up local fish production, as the country sustains a zero-piracy record in its territorial waters for over four years.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Oyetola revealed that a proposal has been submitted to expand the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project, to further reinforce Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. He described the initiative as transformative, crediting it for the country’s sustained absence of piracy incidents in recent years.
According to the minister, the Deep Blue Project—an integrated system combining air, land and sea assets with advanced surveillance technology has significantly enhanced maritime domain awareness and rapid response capabilities. This, he noted, has restored confidence among global shipping operators and investors.
He added that the improved security climate has generated wide-ranging economic benefits, including increased vessel traffic, lower insurance costs, heightened port activity and stronger regional trade across the Gulf of Guinea, once notorious for maritime insecurity.
Oyetola stressed that the planned expansion would consolidate these gains and position Nigeria as a dominant force in maritime security across West and Central Africa, while advancing broader economic growth under the blue economy framework.
Turning to fisheries and aquaculture, the minister said the government is intensifying efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports. He disclosed plans to reactivate dormant fishing terminals nationwide and support artisanal fish farmers to scale operations.
“It is no longer acceptable for Nigeria to continue spending scarce foreign exchange on fish importation”, Oyetola said, affirming the government’s resolve to reverse the trend.
He highlighted a rise in domestic fish production from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025; the first increase in a decade as a sign of progress, while noting that further interventions are underway to meet local demand and expand export capacity.
In a major breakthrough for the sector, the minister announced that the United States has approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device, clearing the way for Nigerian shrimp exports to access both U.S. and European markets. He said the certification is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, improve industry competitiveness and create jobs across the value chain.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to drive reforms and attract investment into the marine and blue economy.
Earlier, NESG Chief Executive Officer, Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a critical blueprint for unlocking the sector’s vast potential.
He said the policy provides a structured framework for sustainable resource management, improved governance, environmental protection and increased private sector participation.
According to him, effective implementation will drive economic growth, create jobs, strengthen food security and position Nigeria competitively in the global blue economy.
Aduloju also underscored the sector’s importance to the federal government’s job creation and poverty reduction agenda, while praising President Bola Tinubu for establishing the ministry and advancing economic reforms.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Fatima Mahmood; the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Busayo Fakinlede; and other top government officials.