Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on international investors to tap into the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. He described the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.
The Minister made the call in London, United Kingdom, where he is participating in the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025.
Represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Oyetola urged investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of investing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernization, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices as critical pillars that make the country an attractive investment destination.
He noted that the government’s ambitious reforms are geared towards positioning the country as the maritime hub of West and Central Africa.
The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s significant progress in maritime security, citing the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and contributed to a sharp decline in incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.
He added that Nigeria has recorded three consecutive years without piracy attacks in its territorial waters, a feat that has earned commendations from the International Maritime Bureau.
Oyetola pointed to Nigeria’s growing port infrastructure, with the landmark Lekki Deep Sea Port standing as a symbol of public-private partnership success.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and capacity to berth the world’s largest vessels, Lekki Port is expected to serve as a vital transshipment hub for landlocked African nations.
The Minister also underscored the importance of sustainable growth, insisting that the blue economy must not only drive profit but also safeguard the environment.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to green shipping practices, eco-friendly port infrastructure, and climate-resilient coastal management strategies.
Beyond security and sustainability, Oyetola stressed the urgency of regulatory harmonization across Africa’s maritime sector.
He noted that fragmented regulations and non-tariff barriers undermine the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Minister called for accelerated implementation of continental instruments such as the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter to create a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
Nigeria’s participation in the London International Shipping Week comes at a time when the global maritime industry is recalibrating for resilience, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Oyetola noted that the event presents an unparalleled opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its readiness to attract foreign direct investment into its maritime value chain and to strengthen its advocacy for Africa’s interests in global maritime governance.
The Minister also used the platform to seek support for Nigeria’s candidature for election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, emphasizing that Nigeria’s aspiration goes beyond national interest and is about securing a stronger voice for the entire African continent.
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