The Federal Government has called for increased international investment, technical expertise and capacity-building support to develop Nigeria’s blue economy and strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime industry.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the appeal while leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 138th session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in London.
Oyetola said developing maritime nations needed access to funding, institutional support and technical knowledge to compete effectively in the increasingly sophisticated global shipping industry.
According to him, Nigeria is committed to building a competitive and sustainable blue economy that can contribute to economic growth, create jobs and expand the country’s participation in international maritime trade.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger International Partnerships
The minister explained that international cooperation would be essential to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime institutions, improving regulatory capacity and creating a more attractive environment for investors.
He noted that developing countries required more than financial resources to build competitive maritime industries, stressing the importance of technical assistance, institutional development and access to specialised expertise.
Oyetola’s appeal comes as the IMO Council reviews financial allocations for the 2026–2027 period and considers strategic priorities for 2028–2029.
Nigeria hopes to use the discussions to secure stronger technical cooperation, development partnerships and capacity-building opportunities that would support its maritime ambitions.
The government is also seeking to improve the conditions needed to attract private investors into shipping, maritime services and related industries.
FG Pushes for Safer International Shipping Routes
Beyond investment, Nigeria has called for stronger international cooperation to protect major shipping routes from piracy and other maritime security threats.
At the IMO meeting, member states are considering measures to safeguard vital commercial shipping lanes, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and geopolitical tensions.
Oyetola said Nigeria’s experience in tackling piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea had demonstrated the importance of cooperation among coastal countries, international organisations and maritime stakeholders.
He maintained that coordinated security efforts were necessary to protect commercial vessels, reduce risks to international trade and improve confidence in maritime operations.
The minister added that safer shipping routes could support more reliable trade and help reduce the additional costs associated with maritime insecurity.
Seafarers’ Welfare Remains a Priority
Oyetola also stressed the need to protect the rights, safety and welfare of seafarers, describing them as essential to the smooth operation of international shipping.
He said maritime workers should not be exposed to unnecessary danger because of geopolitical tensions or security challenges in the waters where they operate.
Nigeria, he added, supports stronger international measures to protect seafarers and ensure that their dignity and rights are respected.
Blue Economy Seen as a Growth Opportunity
Nigeria’s blue economy covers economic activities connected to oceans, seas, rivers and other water resources. These include shipping, ports, fisheries, inland waterways, maritime services and other related industries.
Developing the sector could help Nigeria diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, expand trade and create employment opportunities.
However, achieving these objectives will require sustained investment, effective regulation, improved infrastructure, skilled personnel and reliable maritime security.
The five-day IMO Council session, which began on November 2 and ends on November 6, 2026, provides Nigeria with an opportunity to advance its interests in international maritime policy and strengthen partnerships with other countries.
The Federal Government is hoping that increased cooperation and investment will help turn the country’s maritime resources into a stronger source of economic growth.
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