By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has underscored the critical importance of modern and sustainable infrastructure in unlocking the vast potential of the country’s maritime sector and transforming it into a central pillar of national development.
Speaking through the Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori, at the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Oyetola described Nigeria’s blue economy as a “sleeping giant” — rich in potential but largely underutilized.
Oyetola emphasized that the development of resilient and efficient infrastructure is foundational to driving competitiveness, investment, and job creation within Nigeria’s maritime and coastal corridors.
He said that responsible exploitation of marine resources could boost port efficiency, attract private capital, create employment, and support environmental sustainability for future generations.
The minister highlighted ongoing reforms being implemented by the Federal Government to reposition the maritime sector as a major contributor to the nation’s economic growth.
Among them is the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which provides a coordinated framework for harnessing opportunities across key areas such as fisheries, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, port services, and coastal tourism.
He further announced current infrastructure projects including the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, and the planned revival of a national shipping carrier through a public-private partnership arrangement.
Oyetola stressed that all projects must adhere to principles of sustainability, incorporating energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and eco-friendly waste management practices.
On security, the minister noted a significant achievement: Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters for the past three years.
This milestone, he said, has contributed to improved stability in the Gulf of Guinea and bolstered Nigeria’s international maritime reputation.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s bid to secure a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, a strategic move to influence global maritime regulations.
In his remarks, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, reinforced the need for infrastructure development and long-term policy consistency to enable the maritime sector to thrive.
He called on stakeholders to invest in maritime education, innovation, local content development, and public-private partnerships.
Afolabi described the blue economy as a “future frontier” for Nigeria’s economic transformation and reiterated SIFAX Group’s commitment to strengthening the maritime value chain.
The TAAM Conference, jointly organized by SIFAX Group and The Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos, continues to serve as a national platform for maritime dialogue, industry collaboration, and the development of homegrown solutions by engaging young professionals and academics in the sector.