Godswill Michael
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria is strategically repositioning its marine and blue economy sector to become the country’s main source of revenue, overtaking crude oil as the dominant driver of national income.
Oyetola made the declaration on Thursday at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), during the official visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez.
He stressed that the government is committed to unlocking the full potential of the sector through heavy investment in infrastructure, manpower development, and global partnerships.
“Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. We are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy,” Oyetola said.
The minister, himself an alumnus of UNILAG, challenged Nigerian youths to seize the numerous career and business opportunities in the maritime sector. According to him, government’s vision for the blue economy depends on a new generation of skilled professionals who will champion innovation and competitiveness.
“There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,” he added.
He commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in developing maritime manpower, particularly through the establishment of modern facilities at the Institute of Maritime Studies.
Oyetola further emphasised that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. He said youth engagement and capacity building remain central to the long-term vision of replacing oil with a diversified maritime-driven economy.
The visit by the IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez, underscored the growing international attention on Nigeria’s maritime industry, which experts have described as a sleeping giant with potential to transform the country’s economic landscape.
