By Faridat Salifu
Revenue from Nigeria’s blue economy has witnessed a remarkable 90 percent increase and is poised to surpass that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), according to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarers’ celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Oyetola attributed the rapid revenue growth to ongoing automation, port modernization, and technological advancements within the maritime sector.
The minister emphasized that while the figures speak volumes, the government has intentionally refrained from publicizing the progress, choosing instead to focus on consolidating gains through policy implementation and infrastructure development.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is also aligning with this momentum, projecting a 40 percent revenue increase in 2025, targeting over N1.27 trillion, up from the N894.86 billion realized in 2024.
Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, made this disclosure during a budget defense session with the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours.
He noted that the ambitious revenue target would be driven by comprehensive modernization efforts, the activation of marine operations at the Dangote Refinery, and the strategic use of cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency.
Despite surpassing its revenue target in 2024, the NPA had only spent N417.86 billion out of its approved N850.92 billion expenditure.
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In tandem with these economic advancements, the Federal Government launched a Maritime Labour E-Platform aimed at improving transparency, regulatory compliance, and efficiency in maritime labour governance.
Oyetola described the platform as a vital tool in achieving digital governance, improved service delivery, and centralization of labour administration in the sector.
Addressing the theme of the celebration, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” Oyetola stressed the government’s commitment to making ships safe and respectful workplaces.
He outlined ongoing reforms that prioritize anti-harassment training and quality education for seafarers in line with international standards, especially the STCW Convention.
The government is also strengthening regulation of recruitment agencies and improving access to decent work, with the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement hailed as a landmark for fair wages and better working conditions.
Meanwhile, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged shipowners and operators to align their operational manuals with the new amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
These amendments, approved at the 113th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, address seafarer welfare including protection from harassment, access to shore leave, and recognition of seafarers as key workers.
Mobereola emphasized the importance of grievance mechanisms that protect seafarers from retaliation and encouraged collective responsibility among stakeholders to support maritime workers.
As Nigeria accelerates efforts to strengthen its maritime sector, the blue economy is emerging as a critical pillar of national growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
