Oyetola, Diri, Dangote Push Stronger Collaboration to Unlock Nigeria’s Blue Economy Potential
— Call for state, private sector synergy dominates Lagos stakeholders’ engagement
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector and development partners to fast-track the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, stressing that sub-national participation remains central to unlocking the sector’s vast economic potential.
Oyetola made the call on Thursday in Lagos at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The engagement focused on mobilising state governments for effective implementation of the national policy.
‘From policy to action’ — Oyetola urges coordinated implementation
Speaking on the theme “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” the minister said Nigeria has moved beyond policy formulation and must now prioritise implementation that delivers measurable economic outcomes.
He noted that most blue economy assets lie within states and coastal communities, making state governments indispensable partners in driving investment, job creation, food security and environmental sustainability.
Oyetola also highlighted reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting improvements in port efficiency and maritime safety. He referenced global rankings that placed Tin Can Island Port and Lagos Port Complex among the most improved ports worldwide between 2020 and 2025.
He added that ongoing port modernisation and proposed deep seaport projects in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Lagos and Ondo States would further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness in West Africa.
Diri pushes coastal states’ action plan
Delivering the keynote address, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, commended the Federal Government for establishing the marine and blue economy ministry, describing it as a strategic move for economic diversification.
Diri disclosed that Bayelsa State created its own Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in June 2024 and has begun expanding aquaculture production at the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village in Yenegwe. He said the initiative is already boosting fish fingerling production, food security and job creation.
He also revealed ongoing efforts to develop the proposed Agge Deep Seaport, positioning it as a future maritime gateway for the Niger Delta.
The governor proposed five strategic priorities for coastal states, including the creation of dedicated ministries, legal frameworks, maritime domain mapping, improved data systems, and investment in skills and innovation hubs.
In a presentation on private sector investment, industrialist Aliko Dangote stressed that successful implementation of the national policy depends heavily on sustained private sector participation.
Represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, Simeon Akin Omole, he said the policy’s ambition to create three million jobs within four years and achieve 7 per cent annual sector growth would require strong public-private partnerships, infrastructure investment and investor confidence.
Dangote identified fisheries, aquaculture, port logistics, shipbuilding and marine technology as key investment opportunities, noting that Nigeria still spends close to $1 billion annually on fish imports due to supply gaps.
He added that strengthening coastal industrial clusters, Special Economic Zones and cold-chain infrastructure could reduce imports, conserve foreign exchange and create over 500,000 jobs.
Stakeholders pledge support
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of Akwa Ibom, Ondo and Borno States, alongside lawmakers and private sector operators, all of whom pledged continued support for the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
The event reaffirmed growing consensus that Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions will depend on deeper coordination between federal and state governments and stronger participation from the private sector.
Cover Photo Caption L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Mrs. Fatima Mahmood; Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Dr. Adeboyega Oyetola; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.
