The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday hosted the Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Mr Jens Ole Bach Hansen, in his office in Abuja, using the occasion to strongly court Danish investors to Nigeria’s fast-growing marine and blue economy sector.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Oyetola described Denmark as a valued maritime partner and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation in unlocking the enormous opportunities within the marine and blue economy. He assured Danish investors of a favourable investment climate, strong institutional support and promising returns in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Minister thanked the Government of Denmark for its support towards Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in November 2025, noting that the achievement has further strengthened Nigeria’s standing in global maritime affairs.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister also commended Danish investment in Nigeria’s port sector through APM Terminals, which operates in the Apapa and Onne Ports, describing it as a strategic contribution to the modernisation and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
Oyetola briefed the Ambassador extensively on the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential. These include the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, strengthened maritime security that has led to the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters and a significant reduction of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, port modernisation programmes, revitalisation of inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture development, and conservation of marine biodiversity.
He noted that these initiatives are designed to drive sustainable economic growth, create employment, boost trade facilitation and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa. The Minister reiterated his invitation to Danish investors to take advantage of these opportunities, assuring them of government’s commitment to protecting investments and ensuring long-term sectoral growth.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its election into Category C of the IMO Council, describing it as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in maritime affairs. He explained that membership of the IMO Council offers Nigeria a strategic platform to influence global maritime policy, contribute to international ocean governance, and participate in key decisions on maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that Nigeria would bring its experience and regional influence to bear in advancing international maritime cooperation.
He noted that Denmark and Nigeria share common interests in the marine and blue economy and expressed delight that APM Terminals has invested approximately USD 1.2 billion in Nigerian ports, with plans to make further investments to expand its operations.
He also highlighted Denmark’s global expertise in wind energy and green maritime technologies, stating that his country is open to sharing knowledge and experience with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in renewable energy and other sustainable maritime solutions. He affirmed Denmark’s readiness to explore broader collaboration with Nigeria in developing its marine and blue economy sector.
Both parties agreed to sustain engagement and work together to identify further areas of partnership, investment and technical cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.
