Blue economy: FG calls for state, private sector collaboration
The Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Advance National Policy Implementation
By Providence Ayanfeoluwa
LAGOS – Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has emphasized the importance of collaboration among federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to expedite the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. He highlighted the significant role of sub-national governments in unlocking the economic potential of the sector.
Oyetola made this statement during the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos last week. The event focused on the theme, “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.”
According to Oyetola, Nigeria has progressed beyond just policy formulation and must now concentrate on practical implementation that yields measurable economic benefits. He noted that the National Policy serves as a strategic framework for utilizing Nigeria’s oceans, inland waterways, fisheries, and coastal resources, and underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts among all levels of government to achieve success.
Oyetola pointed out that many of the country’s blue economy assets are situated within states and local communities, rendering sub-national governments crucial partners for attracting investment, creating jobs, enhancing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability.
He also mentioned that reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda have improved stakeholder engagement, attracted investments, bolstered maritime safety, and increased the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports. Oyetola referenced the 2025 Container Port Performance Index, published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, which ranked Tin Can Island Port as the tenth most improved port globally, and Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, as the twelfth most improved between 2020 and 2025.
In a keynote address, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, praised President Tinubu for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, calling it a significant step towards diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He revealed that Bayelsa created its own Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in June 2024 to support the blue economy objectives of the state’s A-S-S-U-R-E-D Prosperity Agenda.
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, in a presentation on private sector investment and industrialization, stated that the successful implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy largely hinges on sustained private sector involvement. He noted that the policy aims to create three million jobs within its first four years, achieve an annual sectoral growth rate of seven percent, and ensure that at least 50 percent of new jobs are reserved for young people aged 18 to 35.
Dangote, represented by Simeon Akin Omole, Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, emphasized that industrial transformation relies on policy consistency, quality infrastructure, access to financing, and investor confidence.
