The federal government is ramping up efforts to position Nigeria?s maritime sector as a key engine of economic growth, aligning with Africa?s Agenda 2063.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during an interactive session with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Thursday in Lagos, highlighting the ministry?s ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects.

A major highlight of Oyetola?s address was the modernisation of Nigeria?s key ports.

?The federal government has approved the award of contracts for the modernisation of the Western Ports, including the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port Complex,? he revealed.

He further noted that efforts to fast-track the procurement process for the modernisation of the Eastern Ports are underway.

?These projects will generate over 20,000 jobs, further reinforcing the maritime sector?s role in national prosperity,? he added.

Beyond modernisation, the government, the Minister said, is investing in new port projects across the country, including Badagry, Ilaje, Olokola, Agge, Ibaka, Burutu, Snake Island, and Bakassi Deep Seaports. Inland trade, he noted, is also receiving a boost with the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina and operational support from Kaduna and Kano facilities, while similar projects in Abia, Plateau, and Borno are in various stages of completion.

Oyetola emphasised that recent policy reforms have led to a significant increase in export volumes, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

?We are seeing positive trade balances due to improvements at the export terminals,? he stated.

A key initiative driving these improvements is the National Single Window (NSW), a digital platform designed to simplify compliance processes and enhance port connectivity.

?To complement this, we are finalising the Port Community System, an electronic platform that centralises and automates all port-related processes, creating a one-stop shop for stakeholders,? the Minister explained.

He underscored Nigeria?s success in tackling piracy, with the country recording zero piracy incidents for three consecutive years in the shipping lanes of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

?This is a result of the Deep Blue Sea Project and Falcon Eye Surveillance Systems, which provide advanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities,? he said.

In a bid to strengthen Nigeria?s influence in global maritime governance, President Bola Tinubu, Oyetola said, has approved the country?s candidacy for a Category C seat in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

?We have officially notified the IMO and commenced the necessary preparations for the election,? he confirmed.

Oyetola also announced progress on the long-awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is set to be disbursed soon.

?NIMASA and other stakeholders are finalising the framework, and Development Banks will oversee disbursements,? he assured.

The Minister highlighted strides in Nigeria?s fisheries and aquaculture sector, including 100% compliance during the Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) certification exercise conducted by the U.S. Department of State in 2024. He also revealed plans to replicate the Oyan Dam Cage Culture model nationwide in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

In addition, the National Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), he stated, is spearheading efforts to map the nation?s marine resources, paving the way for sustainable exploration and utilisation.

The Ministry?s reforms have also translated into a 77 percent increase in government revenue between January and November 2024.

Oyetola noted that the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) recognised the Ministry?s outstanding performance during the 120-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator (RRA) in 2024, awarding it a commendation letter.

Acknowledging the role of the media in driving awareness and accountability, Oyetola called for a stronger partnership with journalists in advancing the ministry?s mandate.

?This engagement is not just about presenting our achievements; it is about fostering dialogue and building partnerships,? he told the editors.

NGE President, Eze Anaba, commended the Ministry?s efforts, expressing confidence in Oyetola?s leadership.

?The Minister?s antecedents in the private sector and as Governor of Osun State are pointers to the fact that the marine and blue economy sector will enjoy robust progress under his leadership and guidance,? he remarked.

Anaba also observed that the engagement will enable both parties to forge mutual understanding and identify and address key concerns while exploring innovative solutions that would propel the marine industry forward. (The Nation)

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