The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) has endorsed the ongoing reforms of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, describing them as critical to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for sustainable growth while calling for the preservation of the Academy’s specialised status.
The endorsement came on Wednesday when the AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, led members of the association’s executive committee on a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja.
Maiguwa praised Oyetola’s leadership, particularly the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a landmark framework that provides strategic direction for the sustainable development, regulation and management of the country’s marine resources.
According to him, the policy will boost investor confidence, strengthen institutional coordination, promote environmental sustainability and position the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to economic diversification, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
He also commended the Minister for institutionalising the quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Summit, noting that the initiative has enhanced dialogue among government agencies, regulators, operators, investors and other industry players, leading to more inclusive policy formulation and practical solutions to sectorial challenges.
On maritime education, Maiguwa urged the Federal Government to preserve the specialised mandate of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, warning that any move capable of diluting its professional identity could undermine Nigeria’s capacity to produce globally competitive seafarers.
“We are concerned about preserving professionalism and ensuring Nigeria maintains a steady supply of competent maritime manpower. Because our members work across the industry locally and internationally, we understand the system deeply. That is why we are insisting that nothing should be allowed to undermine the Academy’s core mandate,” he said.
He added that maintaining the Academy’s specialised status would ensure continued compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements for seafarers.
Maiguwa also announced that AMANO would host its Stakeholders’ Engagement and National Convention in November, bringing together maritime professionals, regulators, policymakers, industry operators and development partners to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He formally invited Oyetola to chair the event and deliver the keynote address.
Responding, Oyetola thanked the association for its vote of confidence, describing the recognition as an encouragement to sustain the Ministry’s reform agenda.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through policies that promote economic diversification, infrastructure development, job creation and private sector investment.
He said the Ministry is implementing strategic reforms to improve the ease of doing business, modernise maritime infrastructure, strengthen regulatory efficiency, deepen local content participation and attract greater investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and other blue economy value chains.
Oyetola also assured indigenous ship owners of continued government support through policies designed to strengthen local shipping capacity and create a more competitive operating environment.
“Our goal is to build a resilient maritime economy that empowers Nigerian businesses, creates employment, retains greater value within our economy and positions Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa,” the Minister said.
He pledged sustained collaboration with industry stakeholders, stressing that consultation and partnership remain essential to achieving lasting reforms across the maritime sector.
