Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged international investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime sector, describing it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
Oyetola made the appeal in London during the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, where he was represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, the Minister said Nigeria’s marine and blue economy remains central to unlocking Africa’s prosperity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Our oceans and inland waterways are our lifeblood, our highways to prosperity, and the very arteries that will fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Oyetola said, while delivering a keynote address on “Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernisation, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices makes the country a prime destination for foreign investment.
Highlighting Nigeria’s progress in maritime security, Oyetola pointed to the success of the Deep Blue Project and the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, which have resulted in three consecutive years without piracy incidents in Nigerian waters. This achievement, he said, has earned global commendation and strengthened investor confidence.
He also cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a landmark public-private partnership project, noting that it has the capacity to berth the world’s largest vessels and serve as a transshipment hub for landlocked African countries such as Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s focus on sustainability, pledging support for green shipping, eco-friendly port infrastructure and climate-resilient coastal management. He also called for regulatory harmonisation across Africa, warning that fragmented port procedures and customs regulations undermine the goals of AfCFTA.
On the global stage, Oyetola used the platform to rally support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. He emphasised that Nigeria’s campaign was not just about national interest, but also about securing a stronger voice for Africa in global maritime governance.
“A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a proven leader in maritime security, an advocate for African interests, and a champion of global collaboration,” he stated.
