In a bid to guarantee the sustainable utilisation of the nation’s marine resources, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has admonished the Nigerian maritime community to act as stewards and not exploiters in their day-to-day operations.
Oyetola disclosed this while speaking at the national celebration for World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 in Lagos on Thursday.
His words: “The ocean, covering more than 70 per cent of our planet, produces between 50 and 80 per cent of the Earth’s oxygen; provides food and livelihoods for billions; and carries more than 80 per cent of global trade. Yet it is under mounting threat – from pollution, overfishing, climate change and neglect. The message is clear: we must be stewards, not exploiters. “This requires us to enforce sustainable fishing practices, tackle marine pollution, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen maritime safety and security.”
He assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains committed to advancing marine governance, modernising port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation.
While noting that considerable progress has been made in these areas, Oyetola commended the various agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, as well as stakeholders across the sector for their steadfast contributions.
According to him, the blue economy represents a new frontier of innovation, prosperity and inclusive growth.
Also speaking, the Director General of Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said that NIMASA’s obligation lies in ensuring environmental stewardship, maritime safety and security.
“We are strongly advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for Sub- Saharan Africa, Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries to ensure fairness and social justice. The plastic pollution crisis is also an issue we are addressing with our Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan.
“We are also driving the implementation of IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment in line with best global practices,” the NIMASA boss said.
Mobereola, however, lamented that the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally.
“According to the World Bank, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life below water) is one of the most poorly funded SDGs, with an annual financing gap of approximately USD 150 billion. It has been acknowledged globally that public funding will never be enough to close the gaps,” he remarked, as he encouraged private sector support.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed that beyond fanfare, there is need for every stakeholder to make stronger commitment to take actions that makes the ocean cleaner.
“Indeed, making global port operations eco-friendlier and actualizing the other noble objectives of the world ports sustainability program rests heavily on our shoulders as maritime stakeholders.
“Although, it is good to know as studies have shown that sea transport is the most environmentally friendly of all the transport forms, it is much more important, to acknowledge that we owe posterity a duty and implement policies that protect the ocean,” Mr. Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, said on behalf of the NPA Managing Director.
On his part, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun assured that the Senate would continue to champion policies and legislations for a sustainable marine and blue economy.
“The National Assembly, through the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, remains steadfast in providing the legal and oversight framework that will enable the sector to thrive. We shall continue to enact progressive legislation, conduct robust oversight, and provide the necessary parliamentary support to strengthen our institutions and ensure that Nigeria fully harnesses the opportunities of the maritime industry,” he said.
While delivering a lead paper at the event, the Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, on “Nigerian Energy Transition: A pathway for economic diversification and sustainable ocean usage” highlighted the numerous opportunities in renewable energy and gas; even as he encouraged the stakeholders to explore funding opportunities.
