Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has advanced Nigeria’s maritime development agenda on the continental stage as he featured prominently at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Oyetola participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Blue Economy, Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorization,” where he shared Nigeria’s strategic pathways for harnessing marine resources, enhancing sovereignty, and strengthening regional collaboration.
The summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, and development partners to drive conversations on innovation, economic integration, and new growth opportunities. Also on the panel was the French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other eminent maritime sector leaders from across Africa.
Co-hosted by President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmanuel Macron of France, the landmark event was themed “Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” It is widely regarded as a major diplomatic and economic engagement, notably the first Africa–France summit to be held in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined other Heads of State at the gathering, underscoring Nigeria’s strong commitment to shaping the future of Africa’s economic transformation and international partnerships.
Since the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s marine sector. Key achievements include:
• Development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, offering a structured roadmap for sustainable and inclusive growth.
• Record revenue generation of N1.83 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year by agencies under the Ministry.
• Approval of a comprehensive port modernization and upgrade programme, designed to attract larger vessels, boost employment, and cement Nigeria’s position as West and Central Africa’s premier maritime hub.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to building a robust, globally competitive blue economy that supports national prosperity and drives regional development.