Abuja, Nigeria – August 27, 2025 – As Nigeria’s Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy celebrates its second anniversary, stakeholders in the country’s maritime industry have offered a blend of commendation and critique, reflecting on the ministry’s ambitious initiatives and the challenges that continue to hinder its transformative potential. Established on August 20, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry was carved out of the former Ministry of Transportation to harness Nigeria’s vast maritime resources. With over 850 kilometers of coastline and 10,000 kilometers of inland waterways, the ministry was envisioned as a cornerstone of economic diversification, job creation, and food security through advancements in aquaculture, shipping, and coastal tourism. Two years later, while bold policies and measurable achievements have positioned Nigeria as a continental leader in the blue economy, concerns over slow implementation and persistent bottlenecks underscore the work still needed to realize the sector’s full potential.
The ministry’s formation marked a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to its maritime sector, which has long been underutilized despite its strategic importance. Nigeria’s maritime assets, including its extensive coastline along the Gulf of Guinea and a network of inland waterways, offer immense opportunities for economic growth. The ministry was tasked with unlocking this potential through targeted reforms, infrastructure development, and international partnerships. Over the past two years, it has introduced sweeping initiatives, including the rollout of the long-delayed Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the approval of Nigeria’s first National Marine and Blue Economy Policy, port rehabilitation projects, and efforts to boost indigenous participation in shipping. However, the industry’s response to these efforts reveals a complex picture, with praise for visionary policies tempered by calls for faster execution and greater accountability.
Achievements and Milestones
Maritime stakeholders have acknowledged several landmark achievements under the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Capt. Tami Adu, a veteran of the maritime industry, lauded the ministry’s policy direction, describing its frameworks as forward-thinking and aligned with global best practices. He highlighted progresspill progress in the adoption of digital tools, port upgrades, and safety campaigns on inland waterways, which have enhanced operational efficiency and safety standards. Adu specifically praised the rollout of the CVFF, a fund designed to support indigenous shipowners by providing access to affordable financing, as a significant milestone. He also commended the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation introduced by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in 2023, which has reduced boat accidents through mandatory training, safety outreach programs, and the distribution of over 42,000 life jackets to riverine communities.
The CVFF, a long-standing demand of the maritime industry, aims to empower local shipowners to compete in Nigeria’s cabotage trade, which is reserved for vessels owned, crewed, and built by Nigerians. Its implementation, after years of delays, marks a pivotal step toward strengthening indigenous participation in the maritime sector. Adu also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in establishing the Regional Maritime Development Bank, a multinational initiative headquartered in Nigeria to finance maritime projects across Africa. “These are not just incremental steps; they are foundational for Nigeria’s maritime future,” Adu said, emphasizing the ministry’s role in positioning Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.
Capt. Ladi Olubowale, President of the African Shipowners Association (ASA), echoed Adu’s optimism, describing the ministry’s first two years as “remarkable.” He credited early stakeholder consultations, the development of the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy, and Nigeria’s proactive engagement in global maritime diplomacy. Olubowale noted that the CVFF’s transparent execution could cement a lasting legacy for the ministry, but he urged increased funding for maritime agencies, enhanced workforce training, and significant infrastructure investments to fully realize the policy’s potential. “African nations are watching Nigeria’s performance closely, particularly in areas like the CVFF and green shipping initiatives,” he said, stressing that the focus must now shift from policy design to effective implementation.
Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, provided a detailed account of the ministry’s achievements, describing them as transformative for Nigeria’s maritime landscape. He highlighted the approval of the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy as a historic milestone—the first of its kind in Africa. This policy, he argued, provides a comprehensive framework for advancing shipping, aquaculture, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and maritime security. “This policy will create large-scale employment, attract private investment, and align Nigeria with international blue economy standards,” Akinola said, underscoring its potential to drive sustainable economic growth.
Akinola also pointed to tangible improvements in port operations, including the resolution of the decades-long Apapa gridlock, a notorious bottleneck that had plagued Nigeria’s largest port. Through road repairs, a digital truck call-up system, and traffic management reforms, the ministry has significantly improved efficiency at Apapa and Tin Can ports. The Federal Executive Council’s approval of a $700 million rehabilitation project for these ports is expected to further enhance their capacity, positioning them as modern, efficient gateways for trade. “These are not just plans on paper,” Akinola asserted. “They are measurable actions that have reshaped Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Financially, the ministry has overseen a near doubling of revenue from its agencies, from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024—the highest in Nigeria’s maritime history. Akinola attributed this growth to reforms that plugged revenue leakages, strengthened oversight, and modernized systems. Other notable achievements include the operationalization of the Regional Maritime Development Bank, the establishment of a National Shipping Carrier through public-private partnerships, and the Deep Blue Project, which has achieved three consecutive years of zero piracy in Nigerian waters. This security milestone led to Nigeria’s removal from the global maritime high-risk zones list, a significant boost to its international reputation.
On the social front, the ministry facilitated the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to riverine communities, a move credited with saving lives in recent waterway incidents. It also secured a ₦200,000 minimum wage for maritime workers in SACFEA-member companies and launched a campaign to reduce Nigeria’s $1.26 billion fish import bill by promoting local aquaculture. Additionally, the ministry has intensified efforts to secure Nigeria’s re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council Category C, reinforcing its global maritime influence.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite these achievements, stakeholders have expressed concerns about the pace of progress and persistent challenges within the sector. While the ministry’s vision has been widely praised, gaps in implementation speed and financing remain significant hurdles. Critics argue that bureaucratic delays, inadequate funding, and weak inter-agency collaboration have slowed the realization of key initiatives. For instance, while the CVFF’s rollout has been celebrated, its full impact depends on sustained funding and transparent disbursement, areas where stakeholders seek greater clarity.
Port congestion, though improved, remains a challenge, particularly at smaller ports outside Lagos. Regulatory enforcement, critical for ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards, has been inconsistent, leading to calls for stronger oversight. Stakeholders also emphasized the need for enhanced workforce training to meet the demands of a modern maritime industry, particularly in emerging areas like green shipping and digital logistics.
The complexity of coordinating multiple agencies under the ministry, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), NIWA, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has been a recurring issue. Stakeholders argue that better synergy is needed to streamline operations and maximize the impact of reforms. Additionally, while the $700 million port rehabilitation project is a step forward, its success hinges on timely execution and effective public-private partnerships, areas where past projects have faced delays.
A Vision for the Future
As the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy enters its third year, maritime observers agree that it has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s maritime transformation. The National Marine and Blue Economy Policy provides a roadmap for sustainable growth, while initiatives like the CVFF and the Regional Maritime Development Bank position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s blue economy. The ministry’s success in resolving the Apapa gridlock, boosting revenue, and enhancing maritime security demonstrates its capacity to deliver results.
However, the coming years will be critical in determining whether the ministry can translate its ambitious plans into enduring impact. Stakeholders are calling for accelerated implementation, increased funding, and stronger collaboration among agencies to address lingering bottlenecks. The focus on green shipping, digital innovation, and workforce development aligns with global trends, but Nigeria must move swiftly to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
The ministry’s achievements, such as the Deep Blue Project’s success in curbing piracy and the distribution of life jackets, highlight its commitment to safety and security. Similarly, its efforts to reduce Nigeria’s fish import bill through aquaculture development signal a broader vision for food security and economic diversification. The proposed National Shipping Carrier and the super-highway project linking Ekiti to coastal ports, as referenced in other regional developments, underscore the ministry’s role in integrating Nigeria’s maritime sector into national and global trade networks.
A Continental Leader in the Making
Nigeria’s maritime sector, under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stands at a crossroads. The past two years have demonstrated its potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in the blue economy. The National Marine and Blue Economy Policy, the first of its kind in Africa, sets a high standard for innovation and sustainability. The ministry’s diplomatic efforts, including its bid for re-election to the IMO Council, reflect its ambition to shape global maritime governance.
Yet, the challenges of implementation, financing, and coordination remain formidable. Stakeholders are optimistic but cautious, urging the ministry to prioritize action over rhetoric. As Capt. Olubowale noted, “The world is watching Nigeria’s performance.” The success of initiatives like the CVFF, port rehabilitation, and aquaculture development will determine whether the ministry becomes a true catalyst for Nigeria’s maritime transformation or remains a bureaucracy known for ambitious plans without sufficient follow-through.
As the ministry embarks on its third year, its focus must shift toward execution, accountability, and inclusivity. By addressing stakeholder concerns and building on its early successes, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has the opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s maritime landscape and secure its place as a global maritime powerhouse.
