Blue Economy: Oyetola Rallies States, Investors to Drive Policy Implementation

Blue Economy: Oyetola Rallies States, Investors to Drive Policy Implementation The National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy provides a strategic roadmap for harnessing Nigeria's oceans, inland waterways, fisheries and coastal resources. To realise its full potential, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, says coastal states must play a more active role in implementing the policy and attracting investment into the sector. Speaking at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens and Stakeholders' Engagement of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held on Thursday in Lagos, Oyetola urged coastal states to align their development plans with the national policy and promote investments in fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, shipbuilding and other blue economy sectors. Speaking on "Sub-national Leadership in Advancing Nigeria's Marine and Blue Economy: The Bayelsa Experience and Pathways for Coastal State Development," Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, called on coastal states to establish dedicated ministries of marine and blue economy and strengthen investments in marine infrastructure. He also outlined five key measures, including enabling legislation, improved maritime security, credible data collection, and investment in skills and logistics. Presenting a paper on private sector investment and industrialisation, President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, Simeon Akin Omole, said sustained private sector investment and stronger public-private partnerships are critical to achieving the policy's target of creating three million jobs within four years. He added that infrastructure-led industrialisation and new deep seaport projects would accelerate economic growth and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness. The engagement focused on turning the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy into concrete outcomes through stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector and development partners. It brought together key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the Nigerian Shippers' Council, NSC, freight forwarders, logistics professionals, senior government officials and members of the media.