By Obiabin Onukwugha
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the federal government has concluded plans to expand it’s deep blue project so as to sustain maritime security and boost local fish production.
Oyetola revealed this when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja at the weekend.
The minister stated that a proposal has been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. He described the initiative as a game-changer, noting that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for more than four years due to the implementation of the globally acclaimed Deep Blue Project.
“The project, which integrates air, land and sea assets alongside advanced surveillance systems, has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and response capability, restoring confidence among international shipping lines and investors,” he said.
Oyetola noted that the improved security has had far-reaching economic and social benefits, not only for Nigeria but across the Gulf of Guinea, which was once regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.
He stated that safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and greater regional trade flows, pointing out that the planned expansion will consolidate the gains, positioning Nigeria as a leader in maritime security in the West and Central African sub-region while supporting broader economic growth tied to the blue economy.
Oyetola also highlighted that the ministry is prioritising the sector as a key driver of food security, job creation, and export earnings, saying efforts are underway to reactivate fishing terminals nationwide and provide support for artisanal fish farmers.
He said it is no longer acceptable for Nigeria to continue spending significant foreign exchange on fish importation, adding that the government is determined to end fish imports.
He pointed to a recent increase in local fish production from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, the first of such rise in a decade, as evidence of progress.
The minister also revealed that the United States has approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device, a certification that enables Nigerian shrimp exports to access both US and European markets, saying “the development has unlocked significant foreign exchange earnings, improved the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry, and created jobs along the value chain, from fishing and processing to logistics and export services.”
He assured the NESG of the ministry’s commitment to close collaboration with the private sector to drive reforms and investments across the marine and blue economy sector.
Earlier, the NESG Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a robust National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a critical framework for unlocking the sector’s vast potential.
He noted that the policy provides a structured pathway for sustainable exploitation of marine resources, improved governance, environmental protection, and increased private sector participation.
According to him, effective implementation of the policy will boost GDP growth, create employment, enhance food security, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global blue economy.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the ministry and pursuing bold economic reforms.
