The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has reaffirmed Nigeria’s maritime leadership in the comity of maritime nations.
Oyetola who stated this in a key note address he delivered at the 2025 World Maritime Day (WMD) celebration which took place recently at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos emphasized the critical importance of ocean stewardship and the vast potential of the blue economy.
The WMD with the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” and hinged on the global call by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to protect marine ecosystems while unlocking sustainable economic growth was attended by industry leaders, diplomats, and stakeholders.
His words: “The ocean produces up to 80 per cent of the earth’s oxygen, supports billions of livelihoods, and carries over 80 per cent of global trade. Yet it faces mounting threats from pollution and overfishing to climate change. We must be stewards, not exploiters.”
Oyetola, who was hitherto the governor of Osun State, used the occasion of the WMD celebration to outline Nigeria’s strategic efforts to modernize port infrastructure, enforce sustainable fishing practices, and strengthen maritime safety.
He praised the dedication of agencies under his watch and their alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highlighting the blue economy as a frontier for innovation, Oyetola pointed to opportunities in renewable ocean energy, marine biotechnology, and aquaculture. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on oil and gas through bold reforms and international collaboration.
In a significant diplomatic appeal, Oyetola invited global partners to deepen cooperation in maritime governance.
“Diplomacy is the strongest anchor of the maritime sector. We look forward to working with the international community to advance both Nigeria’s interests and the collective good,” he said.
Oyetola also announced Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the IMO Council, citing the country’s longstanding contributions to global maritime policy.
“With broad support already expressed by IMO member states, we are optimistic about our re-election,” he said.
The high point of the 2025 WMD celebration was a renewed national pledge to safeguard the ocean and harness its promise for future generations.
According to him, our ocean is our shared legacy. Our obligation is to protect it. Our opportunity is to transform it. The 2025 World Maritime Day event underscored Nigeria’s readiness to lead in shaping the future of maritime governance-at home and on the world stage.
