Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has presented the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, highlighting ongoing reforms and investment opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Akinola. According to the statement, Oyetola participated in a high-level panel discussion focused on the theme, “Blue Economy: Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation.”
The summit itself was organised under the broader theme, “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” bringing together African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to discuss economic cooperation, innovation and sustainable development across the continent.
According to Akinola, Oyetola explained that the Federal Government had continued to implement deliberate policies aimed at unlocking the enormous potential within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector. One of the major steps highlighted by the minister was the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023.
He noted that the ministry had already achieved several milestones since its establishment, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. The policy was designed to provide a strategic framework for long-term sustainability, economic growth and improved governance within the sector.
“Since its establishment, the ministry has recorded notable milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” Oyetola stated.
The minister also disclosed that agencies operating under the ministry generated a record N1.83 trillion in revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, reflecting improved performance and stronger institutional reforms within the maritime industry.
Oyetola further revealed that the Federal Government had approved a comprehensive port modernisation and upgrade programme aimed at attracting larger vessels, increasing trade activities and creating more employment opportunities across the country.
According to him, the modernisation initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
The panel session also featured Catherine Chabaud and other major maritime stakeholders from across Africa.
The summit was co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also attending alongside other African leaders.
Observers described the gathering as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement expected to deepen Africa-France relations and encourage strategic investment partnerships across the continent.