Oyetola Unveils Nigeria’s Maritime Future, Pushes For Investment, Security, Sustainability
Nigeria is taking bold steps onto the global maritime ecosystem, positioning its marine and blue economy as the new frontier for Africa’s economic transformation.
At the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, delivered an inspiring appeal to international investors: “Our oceans and inland waterways are our lifeblood, our highways to prosperity.”
Represented by Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Oyetola highlighted a vision that blends security, sustainability, and regulatory reform to turn Nigeria into West and Central Africa’s maritime hub.
In his keynote address at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly—hosted at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, Oyetola underscored why the country is fast becoming a safe, competitive, and attractive destination for maritime investments.
Oyetola argued that from eliminating piracy in Nigerian waters through the acclaimed Deep Blue Project, to unveiling world-class infrastructure like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, that Nigeria has demonstrated readiness for large-scale investment and transshipment operations that would serve not just its borders but also landlocked African nations such as Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to green shipping, climate-resilient port infrastructure, and the harmonisation of Africa’s regulatory frameworks to fully realise the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Nigeria’s presence at LISW 2025 also doubled as a diplomatic campaign platform, with Oyetola calling for support for the country’s Category C candidature in the IMO Council (2026–2027).
He described the IMO Council bid as a push not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in shaping global maritime governance.
Oyetola said that “the regulatory seas ahead may be turbulent, but with a clear vision, a firm resolve, and a spirit of collaboration, we can build an African maritime sector that is secure, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated.”