Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated that the National Maritime Policy, currently under consideration by the Federal Executive Council, will drive development across key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining.
This was during the third Maritime Transportation Breakfast Meeting organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, centered around the theme ‘Prospects for accelerated growth and other matters arising.’
Oyetola, represented by the ministry director of maritime services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, said the policy would create a sustainable economic growth path for the sector. This indicates that the national marine and blue economy policy remained vital for developing Nigeria’s maritime sector and ensuring environmental sustainability.
The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Daniel Odibe, of Lekki Deep Sea Port, commended the federal and Lagos state governments for developing coastal roads to improve port accessibility. He emphasized that the road network is crucial for port efficiency and holds significant growth potential.
He confirmed that the Lekki Deep Sea Port’s capacity had increased to 90 hectares and millions of twenty-foot equivalent units, with a faster vessel turnaround time. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Ilogu, urged the management of the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos State Waterways Authority to enhance infrastructure for industrial waterway cargo shipments.
Mr. Mike Igbokwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, praised the federal government’s use of public-private partnerships in driving maritime infrastructure and efficiency. Igbokwe recommended expanding the use of barges to improve multimodal cargo connectivity and reduce costs across the country.
He also advocated reducing the cost of goods by PPPs and improving rail transport to landlocked states for better dry port operations.
The president of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Mrs. Funke Agbor, restated the commitment of the association to back up legal, institutional, and policy frameworks for a thriving maritime industry.
Agbor listed the support of NMLA through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement for the sector’s sustainable development. In her words, maritime transportation is central to global trade and economic integration, with Nigeria’s strategic location and coastline offering untapped growth potential. She urged effective policy frameworks and continued stakeholder engagement.
The president stated that the breakfast series is aimed at facilitating meaningful dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders in the sectors.
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