The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday announced a 27% rise in local fish production as he declared the 2025 Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) open in Lagos.
Represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, the Minister said the growth from 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025 reflects renewed investment, stronger collaboration with coastal communities, and targeted reforms in aquaculture.
Oyetola described the fisheries boost as a clear indicator that Nigeria’s blue economy reforms are yielding measurable outcomes, particularly in food security and job creation.
He, however, stressed that the Ministry is working with operators to expand sustainable aquaculture, protect local jobs, and reduce excessive importation in line with national economic priorities.
The Minister highlighted the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy – Africa’s first comprehensive framework for sustainable maritime development – as the backbone of recent achievements, guiding reforms across shipping, coastal tourism, maritime services, and offshore energy.
He reported strong progress on port modernisation, disclosing Presidential approval for the full upgrade of the Lagos Port and Tin Can Island Port infrastructure while procurement for the Eastern Ports overhaul is nearing completion. These upgrades, he said, will enhance efficiency and support Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Oyetola also referenced record fiscal performance, with maritime agencies generating N1.39 trillion in 2024, double the previous year’s output, driven by improved transparency and operational discipline.
On safety, he announced the gazetting of the country’s first Inland Water Safety Code in over 40 years, alongside expanded patrols, improved charting and better rescue coordination. He reaffirmed the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has kept piracy at zero for three consecutive years, drawing international commendation.
The Minister urged stakeholders to use the 2-day NIMAREX 2025 event to deepen innovation in shipping, maritime technology, port services, ocean energy, logistics, and coastal tourism.
During her lead paper presentation, the Advisor, Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President of Kenya, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, noted that activities of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry cuts across over 22 other distinct ministries in Kenya, emphasising the need for inter-ministerial Committee for seamless operations.
She equally highlighted the significance of sustainable operations and planning across various facets of the marine and blue economy, especially in fisheries and aquaculture.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion and Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, emphasised that the shipping industry has endless potential to create jobs for the country’s teeming youth population and transform the economy.
The former CEO of the defunct Real Shipping Company expressed fears that Nigerian maritime operators are “feeding on crumbs,” as they are not able to play big on the real business of shipping.
He recalled the productive days of NIMAREX and pledged his support financially and intellectually to ensure the sustainability of the refloated NIMAREX.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the NIMAREX 2025 Planning Committee, Otunba Sola Adewumi, described the relaunch of NIMAREX as a renewal of a long-standing industry vision to unify public and private maritime stakeholders.
Stressing that the relaunch of NIMAREX underlines the resilience of the sector and its continued importance to Nigeria’s economic future, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for demonstrating political will by creating a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy – an idea that was originally highlighted as a resolution at the inaugural edition of NIMAREX.
While applauding the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for endorsing and supporting the expo’s revival, Adewumi emphasized that NIMAREX remains the collective voice of Nigeria’s maritime sector and called on government agencies, private operators, investors, and international partners to fully support the renewed drive toward maritime growth and global competitiveness.
One of the highpoints of the event was the presentation of a post-humous award to Nigeria’s first indigenous shipowner, Late Alhaji Wahab Folawiyo. During the presentation to the Executive Director, Investments, Folawiyo Group, Mohammed Folawiyo, the consultant for NIMAREX 2025, Funmi Folorunso, recalled her early days as a staff of the Nigerian Ministry of Transportation and Aviation as she was privileged to register Folawiyo’s vessels as the first indigenous owned ships.
Folorunso charged the Marine and Blue Economy Minister to revamp the nation’s shipping sector in a manner that would lead to an influx of Nigerian owned vessels for domestic shipping and international operations.
The event was graced by several eminent maritime personalities including; a former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barr. Temisan Omatseye; Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola; Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN; President, Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obadan.
Others were; President of the African Shipowners Association (ASA), Capt. Ladi Olubowale; a former President of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke; President of Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Founder/ President, African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), Dr. Felicia Chinwe Mogo; President, WIMA Nigeria, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy; Founder and Managing Partner, Hudson Gee Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Gloria Kanabe; President, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; President, Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), Mrs. Koni Duniya; among others.
