Nigeria’s Maritime Sector Positioned for Transformation, Says Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to revitalising the country’s port ecosystem at the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria Annual Lecture. He detailed a series of successful initiatives that have been enhancing port efficiency, such as the licensing of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) and the promotion of inland dry ports. These moves are aligned with Nigeria’s strategic objectives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Oyetola stressed that the government’s push for modernization is already yielding positive results, evidenced by the Ministry’s top performance ratings from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). According to him, the recent achievements are vital indicators of the commitment to transforming the sector into a highly efficient and globally competitive one.

The Minister also highlighted the role of collaboration in the sector’s success, calling on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to work together. He underlined that the Ministry is actively fostering innovation and regional integration to strengthen maritime security and safety. Furthermore, Oyetola outlined the government’s focus on investing in port IT systems to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce turnaround time.

Addressing the broader implications of these initiatives, Oyetola emphasized the enormous potential of the blue economy combined with AfCFTA’s opportunities. He expressed confidence that Nigeria, and by extension, Africa, stands at a pivotal moment to unlock sustainable development. “By embracing this transformation, we can create a brighter future for generations to come,” he concluded.