The Nigerian Government has called on international investors to harness the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, describing the sector as a gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in London during the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, one of the world’s leading maritime gatherings.
Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters as part of LISW, Oyetola represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola urged investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.
Delivering a keynote address on “Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade,” the Minister underscored Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernisation, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices, which he described as critical pillars that make the country an attractive investment hub.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s strides in maritime security, citing the Deep Blue Project’s success in eliminating piracy in Nigerian waters and driving down incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.
Beyond security, he stressed the urgency of regulatory harmonisation across Africa’s maritime sector, warning that fragmented regulations and non-tariff barriers continue to undermine the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister also used the platform to seek international support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, noting that the country’s aspiration transcends national interest and is anchored on advancing Africa’s role in global maritime governance.
