The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated the need for leaders in the Southwest region to be actively involved in marine tourism development.
Oyetola who was hitherto the governor of Osun State enjoined them to seize what he called “the vast opportunities offered by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway” by developing coastal tourism and related infrastructure to boost the region’s economy.
The Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola quoted Oyetola saying this at the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit which took place in the Ondo State capital, Akure recently.
These were contained in Oyetola’s presentation titled ‘The Impact of Marine and Blue Economy on Nigeria’s Development: Focus on the Southwest Region.”
Oyetola described the coastal highway as a transformative project capable of redefining economic and social connectivity across Nigeria’s coastline.
He added that the initiative, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will open up unprecedented prospects for trade, investment, and tourism.
His words: “The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is an economic artery that connects opportunity, innovation, and prosperity. I therefore charge leaders across the Southwest to complement this visionary project by developing tourism infrastructure, coastal resorts, and cultural heritage attractions that will enable our communities to fully harness the economic benefits of this new coastal artery.”
He emphasised that the project will serve as a catalyst for coastal tourism, hospitality, and small and medium-scale enterprise development, creating new economic corridors from Lagos through Ogun and Ondo to the eastern seaboard.
According to him, the Southwest stands to gain immensely from the project through job creation, increased investment, and the promotion of the region’s cultural and natural assets.
Oyetola also commended President Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” in expanding Nigeria’s continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres, extending the country’s maritime territory by approximately 20 nautical miles in some areas.
He noted that this achievement represents a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s sovereign rights over vast new areas of the seabed, unlocking immense economic, scientific, and environmental potential.
He stated that the maritime expansion provides the Southwest with new opportunities for offshore investment, deep-sea exploration, marine research, and renewable ocean energy.
The minister added that the move would attract private sector participation in marine logistics, shipbuilding, and blue biotechnology, contributing to the long-term prosperity of the region.
He called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Southwest states to consolidate progress in port modernisation, maritime security, fisheries, and non-oil export development.
He further appealed to the state governments to address the growing number of waterways accidents by phasing out the use of wooden boats and enforcing the compulsory use of life jackets for all passengers and operators.
Oyetola maintained that the transition to fibre-reinforced boats would improve safety, promote environmental sustainability, and empower local artisans through indigenous boat-building initiatives. He expressed confidence that with coordinated action and visionary leadership, the Southwest could become a model of maritime efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in Africa.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to making the blue economy a pillar of national development.
“This is our moment to build a vibrant blue economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of our coastal communities. If we harness it wisely, the sea will not divide us — it will unite and prosper us.”
