The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has tasked top management staff of the ministry and the parasatals under its purview on implementation of the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in the country.
He also reiterated his commitment to ensure that the policy is fully implemented in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He enjoined the top management of the ministry and its agencies to recommit themselves to effective leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and measurable performance outcomes.
Oyetola stated this at the opening of the 2025 sectoral retreat for senior officials of the ministry and its agencies which took place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja recently.
While describing the gathering as a defining moment for reflection, realignment, and purposeful engagement, the former Osun State governor stressed that the retreat goes beyond administrative formality, representing instead a crucial opportunity to evaluate the sector’s direction and to reposition it for impactful delivery in line with national expectations.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola and made available to Maritime Bits quoted Oyetola emphasizing that the marine and blue economy has been placed at the forefront of the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda under the renewed hope framework, and that it is incumbent on the ministry’s leadership to drive this vision with urgency and discipline.
He highlighted some of the milestones attained by the ministry in recently. These include ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure, implementation of the national single window platform, improvements in port efficiency, enhanced maritime security, progress in aquaculture and fisheries, and the commencement of the long-anticipated disbursement process of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).
He described the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as a foundational achievement that sets the strategic framework for long-term sectoral transformation.
With implementation now the focus, Oyetola stressed that leadership across the ministry and its agencies must fully internalise the policy’s strategic priorities and translate them into actionable programmes.
He called for disciplined execution anchored on improved coordination, technology adoption, transparency, environmental stewardship, and institutional accountability just as urged all agencies to treat the Performance Bonds signed during the retreat not as symbolic gesture but as serious commitment to deliver concrete, time-bound outcomes that enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP, expand job creation, increase port throughput, and improve regulatory compliance and revenue mobilisation.
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, describing it as a strategic national objective.
According to the statement, the ministry would continue to lead on diplomatic engagement and international outreach but that every agency must play its part in showcasing Nigeria’s readiness to continue to lead and contribute meaningfully to global maritime affairs.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola in his opening remarks echoed Oyetola’s call for decisive action.
He noted that the ministry stands at a pivotal juncture in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, under the visionary leadership of Oyetola, the ministry has achieved commendable progress with the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy marking a significant milestone. He stressed, however, that the priority now must be the translation of the policy into real, measurable outcomes.
Oloruntola described the retreat as a critical platform for identifying and resolving the barriers to effective execution, strengthening inter-agency synergy, and defining the specific steps needed to position the Marine and Blue Economy as a major driver of national development in alignment with global trends.
He noted that a key feature of the retreat would be the signing of Performance Bonds by Heads of Agencies which would be tied to clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This, he said, is a reflection of the ministry’s collective commitment to accountability, results, and service excellence.
He commended the heads of agencies for their readiness to champion this new era of accountability within their institutions and for their commitment to cascading these obligations to their teams.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between agency leadership and ministry management, noting that while the Minister provides the strategic direction, it is the responsibility of senior management to ensure that direction is translated into measurable results through discipline, coordination, and dedication.
Oloruntola expressed his appreciation for the guidance and leadership of Oyetola whose clear vision and unwavering commitment, he said, have been instrumental in defining the Ministry’s path and energising its personnel.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Assembly Committees overseeing the sector, including the Senate Committee on Marine Transport chaired by Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun and the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, led by Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
He praised their oversight, partnership, and legislative backing, which have significantly reinforced the Ministry’s efforts.
