Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stepped up Nigeria’s push to attract foreign capital into the blue economy, assuring Danish investors of strong returns and a favourable investment climate as the country deepens maritime reforms.
Oyetola made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Mr Jens Ole Bach Hansen, where he described Denmark as “a valued maritime partner” and underscored Nigeria’s readiness to expand bilateral cooperation in the marine and blue economy sector.
According to the minister, Nigeria is keen to unlock vast opportunities across ports, shipping, inland waterways, fisheries and emerging green maritime solutions.
He assured prospective investors of “a favourable investment climate, strong institutional support and promising returns in Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Oyetola also expressed appreciation to Denmark for supporting Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in November 2025, noting that the development has “further strengthened Nigeria’s standing in global maritime affairs.”
Highlighting existing Danish footprints in the sector, the minister commended investments by APM Terminals in Apapa and Onne ports, describing them as “a strategic contribution to the modernisation and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.”
He briefed the Danish envoy on ongoing reforms by the Ministry, including the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, improved 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.
“These initiatives are designed to drive sustainable economic growth, create employment, boost trade facilitation and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa,” Oyetola said, reiterating his invitation to Danish investors to take advantage of the emerging opportunities. He further assured them of government’s commitment “to protecting investments and ensuring long-term sectoral growth.”
Ambassador Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its IMO Council election, describing it as “a recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in maritime affairs.”
He he noted that the position gives 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 Danish envoy expressed confidence that Nigeria would leverage its regional influence to advance global maritime cooperation, adding that Denmark and Nigeria share strong common interests in the blue economy space.
He disclosed that APM Terminals has invested approximately USD 1.2 billion in Nigerian ports and has plans to make further investments to expand operations.
Hansen also highlighted Denmark’s expertise in wind energy and green maritime technologies, noting that his country is willing to share knowledge with Nigeria in renewable energy and other sustainable maritime solutions.
Both sides agreed to sustain engagement and collaborate further to identify new areas for partnership, investment and technical cooperation to advance Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda
Read also: https://datavoxmedia.com.ng/2025/10/03/blue-economy-positioned-to-overtake-oil-says-oyetola/
