By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has begun deploying advanced technology to enhance its global competitiveness in maritime trade, according to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Represented by Peter Mbam, Director of Legal Services in the ministry, Oyetola made this announcement on Wednesday, January 29 during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Nigerian Institution of Facilities Engineering and Management (NIFEngM) in Port Harcourt.
The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the blue economy, a sector that leverages ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the crucial role of facility engineers in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining infrastructure within the marine and blue economy sectors.
One of the key developments cited by the minister as an example of the government’s technological drive is the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
According to Oyetola, the port stands as a testament to how innovative engineering and efficient management can elevate Nigeria’s position in global maritime trade.
The project, he noted, demonstrates the impact of cutting-edge infrastructure on the nation’s economic landscape, making it a model for future maritime advancements.
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Oyetola stated that the federal government is collaborating with facility engineers to integrate smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data into infrastructure projects.
These advancements, he said, are set to revolutionize facilities management and improve the efficiency and resilience of Nigeria’s maritime operations.
By adopting these technologies, the government aims to create a smarter and more adaptive infrastructure system capable of withstanding modern challenges.
The minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 14 (life below water).
He stressed that facilities engineering plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by ensuring sustainable development in marine and coastal ecosystems.
Expressing confidence in the newly inaugurated NIFEngM executive committee, Oyetola urged them to work closely with the government in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy initiatives.
He underscored the importance of collaboration in driving the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote sustainable economic growth through infrastructure development.
He called for a collective effort by engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders to push the boundaries of facilities engineering and management to bolster national development.
