W’Maritime Day: Oyetola Restates FG’s Commitment to Sustainable Blue Economy Growth, Explains Why Nigeria Seeks IMO Category C Seat
* Blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally – NIMASA DG
*As Dantsoho says theme of celebration captures need for increased responsibility for stakeholders
* Akutah recognizes stakeholders, investors for working hard towards industry devt
By Francis Ugwoke
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Thursday restated the federal government’s commitment to achieving a sustainable blue economy growth, maritime security as well as ocean stewardship.
Oyetola who spoke on the occasion of this year’s World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, also explained why Nigeria is seeking to return to the Category C seat of the IMO Council.
The Minister said that the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” demonstrates the urgent need for collective responsibility for unlocking its vast economic potential and protection.
Oyetola in his keynote speech said, “ Nigeria, richly endowed with maritime resources, recognises the immense value of the ocean. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” is, therefore, both timely and compelling. It calls us to reflect on our shared duty to protect our maritime heritage, while also recognising the vast opportunities the sector offers for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.
“ The ocean, covering more than 70 per cent of our planet, produces between 50 and 80 per cent of the Earth’s oxygen; provides food and livelihoods for billions; and carries more than 80 per cent of global trade. Yet it is under mounting threat — from pollution, overfishing, climate change and neglect. The message is clear: we must be stewards, not exploiters. This requires us to enforce sustainable fishing practices, tackle marine pollution, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen maritime safety and security.
“ At the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we remain committed to advancing marine governance, modernising port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation. Considerable progress has been made in these areas, and I commend the various agencies under our Ministry, alongside stakeholders across the sector, for their steadfast contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Your dedication has been vital to the successes we have achieved thus far.
“ The blue economy represents a new frontier of innovation, prosperity and inclusive growth. From renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology to sustainable aquaculture, the opportunities are vast. Our vision is to harness these possibilities to make the sector a leading contributor to Nigeria’s economy, reducing our dependence on oil and gas, and driving diversification in line with national priorities. We are determined to realise this vision through consistent effort, bold reforms, and sustained collaboration”.
The minister extended a special invitation to members of the diplomatic community, adding that the nation’s maritime sector is a natural platform for international cooperation, and diplomacy is its strongest anchor.
He added, “As we confront the challenges of global maritime governance, your partnership will be essential. We look forward to working with you to advance both Nigeria’s interests and the collective good of the global maritime community.
“ Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria has made measurable strides at home and abroad. We have adopted policies that promote sustainable practices, invested in modern port facilities, and built stronger regional frameworks for security and trade. Internationally, we have been active participants in global maritime dialogues, contributing to the formulation of policies that ensure responsible and equitable use of the oceans”.
Oyetola equally said that it was in this spirit that Nigeria seeks a return to Category C of the IMO Council.
According to him, “Our country has long been a key player in the global maritime industry, and it is time to assume our rightful place in shaping the decisions that guide it. With the strong and broad support already expressed by IMO Member States across continents, we are optimistic of success in the forthcoming elections in London. Our return to the IMO Council will affirm not only Nigeria’s commitment to the maritime sector but also our recognised leadership within the international maritime community.
“ On this World Maritime Day, let us all renew our pledge to protect the ocean and harness its promise wisely and responsibly. The ocean is our shared legacy. Our obligation is to safeguard it. Our opportunity is to transform it for the benefit of generations to come. Let us meet this challenge, as a nation and as a responsible partner in the international system, ready to play our full part in shaping the future of maritime governance”.
“ May this commemoration stand as a testament to our readiness, our resolve, and our voice on the world stage. Truly, our ocean is our obligation — and together, it is our opportunity”.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said this year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” aptly captures the increased responsibility placed on every stakeholder in the maritime industry.
Dantsoho “The theme of this year event is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” This theme aptly captures the increased responsibility placed on each and everyone of us as stakeholders in maritime industry, to take frontline ownership of the ocean, on whose sustainability, the very sustenance of humanity rests.
“With over 90 percent of global trade, which accounts for half of the world’s economic output, the maritime industry thereby constitute an important economic driver, that helps to spur development and reduce poverty. Therefore, every member of the maritime, and indeed the global community, is directly or indirectly a beneficiary of the ocean. So, we are all duty bound to become more intentional and deliberate in our responsibility to protect the ocean and its resources.
“Beyond fanfare, there is need for every stakeholder here to rise from this celebration with a stronger commitment to take actions that makes the ocean cleaner. Indeed, making global port operations eco-friendlier and actualizing the other noble objectives of the World Ports Sustainability Program rests heavily on our shoulders as maritime stakeholders.
“Although, it is good to know as studies have shown that sea transport is the most environmentally friendly of all the transport forms, it is much more important, to acknowledge that we owe posterity a duty, to not only continually formulate and implement policy that protect the ocean, but to maintain as individuals, and institutions a behavioral pattern that places the highest premium on protecting the ocean.
“Honorable Minister, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have said all of these to establish the irrefutable fact that we are all beneficiaries of the ocean, and the time has come to give back to our dear benefactor, the ocean by protecting and making her cleaner, not just by talking but in specific and measurable action steps.
“Whilst assuring of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership and guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to the continuous promotion of port eco-friendliness, permit me to remind us of the enduring connection between humanity and the ocean.
“Let me leave you with the seminal words of John F. Kennedy that “We have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean”.
Indeed, as we make up our minds to clean up the ocean for sustainability, we are making up our minds to clean up ourselves”.
In his own address, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed concern that the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally.
Quoting the World Bank, he pointed out that Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life below water) is one of the most poorly funded SDGs, with an annual financing gap of approximately USD 150 billion.
He said, “It has been acknowledged globally that Public Funding will never be enough to close the gaps”
Noting that public funding cannot be enough, the appealed to the private sector for synergy, adding that the future for ocean development depends on such collaboration and shared responsibility.
According to him, “The beauty and the diversity of the Ocean are not just captivating but continue to inspire us all. The opportunities in the ocean are vast and must be harnessed sustainably, from fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, shipbuilding and repair, tourism, to port infrastructure development among others”
“For us, the ocean is the lifeblood of our nation, the gateway for over 80% of our trade, and a reservoir of immense biodiversity and resources. Its health dictates our climate, its security defines our sovereignty, and its potential holds the key to our future”
“There is an old maritime adage that says, “Do not ever turn your back on the ocean; the tides and waves can sweep you off your feet.”
“We must therefore view Our Ocean as a national trust to be sustainably managed. All of us seated here have different roles to play in safeguarding our ocean, and we must work together whether as government, industry or community. We are all partners in progress”.
The NIMASA DG however assured that the agency is committed to environmental sustainability and maritime safety.
He said, “On the security front, we are delighted that the Deep Blue project (Nigeria’s Integrated Maritime Security Infrastructure) has become a game changer in addressing maritime security in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea Area”
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, had also used the occasion to felicitate with stakeholders and investors.
Akutah recognized the efforts of stakeholders and investors who according to him have been working hard towards the growth and development of the industry.
The Executive Secretary in a statement issued by the Council extended its warm wishes to all stakeholders in the maritime industry “ whose dedication, investments, and contributions continue to drive the growth of our industry”.
Akutah added, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation and Activity,” aligns with the vision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stating that it is in this spirit, the ports economic regulator remains proud to join all stakeholders at the World Maritime Day 2025 celebration.
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