By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
THE Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for accountability and data-driven reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for innovation and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM 7.0) on Friday at the University of Lagos, the Minister made this call even as he reiterated commitment to overhaul critical port infrastructure with digital transformation and environmentally responsible practices.
The Minister, who was presented by Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services, described the establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as a deliberate step by the President Bola Tinubu administration to harness Nigeria’s vast coastal and marine assets for national development.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to serve as the strategic framework for unlocking opportunities in ports, fisheries, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future,” Oyetola declared, adding that innovation must drive Nigeria’s approach to port rehabilitation, environmental safeguards, service delivery, and industry partnerships.
The Minister also noted that the Federal Government has already begun an aggressive rehabilitation of critical port infrastructure.
“We are advancing the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, including the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. Procurement processes are ongoing for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Ports,” he said.
Oyetola further disclosed that physical upgrades are being matched with digital initiatives such as the Port Community System and the One-Stop-Shop platform, which are already improving operational efficiency and reducing cargo delays.
On shipping development, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the National Carrier through a public-private partnership, adding that the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) would soon be disbursed to indigenous operators to boost local shipping capacity.
According to him, the Ministry’s digitalisation push across its agencies is already yielding tangible results in revenue generation, transparency, and service efficiency.
Earlier, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group and convener of the conference, had called for urgent investment in modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure to unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Afolabi, who was represented by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, the Group Coordinating Director, stressed that Nigeria’s vast coastline could become a catalyst for job creation, port competitiveness, and foreign investment if properly harnessed.
