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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for accountability and data-driven reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for innovation and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM 7.0) on Friday at the University of Lagos, the Minister made this call even as he reiterated commitment to overhaul critical port infrastructure with digital transformation and environmentally responsible practices.
The Minister, who was presented by Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services, described the establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as a deliberate step by the President Bola Tinubu administration to harness Nigeria’s vast coastal and marine assets for national development.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to serve as the strategic framework for unlocking opportunities in ports, fisheries, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future,” Oyetola declared, adding that innovation must drive Nigeria’s approach to port rehabilitation, environmental safeguards, service delivery, and industry partnerships.
The Minister also noted that the Federal Government has already begun an aggressive rehabilitation of critical port infrastructure.
“We are advancing the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, including the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. Procurement processes are ongoing for the rehabilitation of the Eastern Ports,” he said.
Oyetola further disclosed that physical upgrades are being matched with digital initiatives such as the Port Community System and the One-Stop-Shop platform, which are already improving operational efficiency and reducing cargo delays.
On shipping development, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reviving the National Carrier through a public-private partnership, adding that the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) would soon be disbursed to indigenous operators to boost local shipping capacity.
According to him, the Ministry’s digitalisation push across its agencies is already yielding tangible results in revenue generation, transparency, and service efficiency.
Earlier, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group and convener of the conference, had called for urgent investment in modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure to unlock the untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Afolabi, who was represented by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, the Group Coordinating Director, stressed that Nigeria’s vast coastline could become a catalyst for job creation, port competitiveness, and foreign investment if properly harnessed.
While delivering the keynote lecture, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Vice President, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), underscored the need for smart, green, and inclusive port systems as critical drivers for the sustainable growth of the maritime sector.
Anishere, who was represented by Mrs. Gloria Kanabe, emphasized that the Blue Economy must go beyond economic growth to ensure environmental protection and regional connectivity.
She equally urged students and young professionals to see themselves as architects of a sustainable maritime future, calling on them to embrace innovation, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
“The oceans we build on must be the oceans we protect. Our choices in infrastructure and development will determine whether we harness their potential wisely or irreversibly damage them,” she stated.
Earlier, the President of the Maritime Forum at the University of Lagos, Aderounmu Enoch Adewunmi, charged young people to see themselves not as future leaders but as leaders of today.
He emphasized the urgent need for proactive leadership, ethical responsibility, continuous innovation, and inclusive partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
Adewunmi highlighted the Maritime Forum’s 10-year journey, which has empowered thousands of students through mentorship, internships, and high-impact programs, including the Maritime Masterclass, an educational excursion to Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the launch of the Jean Chiazor National Essay Competition.
He urged his fellow students to lead boldly and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference, a collaboration between SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos, has grown into one of the most respected intellectual platforms for maritime discourse in Nigeria, bridging the gap between students and industry stakeholders.
The event also featured thrilling panel sessions with valuable industry insights given by the Director General of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; Partner, Foundation Chambers Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle, among others. A town and gown speech was also given by the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNILAG, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN.
