Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy conomy Reforms at Africa Forward Summit
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has highlighted the country’s ongoing marine and blue economy reforms at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Speaking during a high-level panel session on “Blue Economy — Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorization,”
Oyetola outlined Nigeria’s efforts to harness the economic potential of its maritime resources through policy reforms, infrastructure development and strategic partnerships.
The summit convened African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to explore opportunities for innovation, sustainable growth and deeper continental cooperation. The panel also featured France’s Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other maritime stakeholders from across Africa.
Co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, the summit focused on strengthening Africa-France relations under the theme, “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined other African leaders at the gathering, which observers described as a major diplomatic and economic engagement. The event is also being noted as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
The Federal Government said the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to expanding the sector and positioning it as a key driver of economic diversification.
According to the ministry, one of its major achievements is the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, aimed at providing a coordinated framework for sustainable growth across the sector.
The ministry also disclosed that agencies under its supervision generated N1.83 trillion in revenue during the 2025 fiscal year. It added that the Federal Government has approved an extensive port modernization programme intended to improve port efficiency, attract larger vessels, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Cover Photo Caption, L-R: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; former Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday.
(FMMBE Press, 12 May, 2026)
