The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has issued a firm warning to heads of agencies, charging them with accountability and the delivery of tangible results, as the ministry recorded N1.83 trillion in revenue in 2025.

Oyetola announced that the rev enue generated by agencies under the ministry increased by 160 per cent, attributing the surge to sweeping reforms and a renewed focus on accountability.

Speaking yesterday at the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos, Oyetola said even though the ministry’s performance reflected a deliberate shift towards transparency and efficiency, the agencies must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results.

The minister explained that the gains were driven by strengthened regulatory oversight, improved revenue assurance mechanisms, digitalisation of key processes and a firm commitment to blocking leakages.

Oyetola also linked the ministry’s improved performance to broader sectoral reforms, including port modernisation, approval for disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) and ongoing efforts to enhance indigenous participation in maritime activities.

Meanwhile, Oyetola, during the signing of performance bonds with the heads of maritime agencies, stressed the importance of performance-driven governance, underscoring the need for data-driven decision-making, robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, as well as alignment with the ministry’s strategic objectives.

He noted that the convergence of stakeholders, policymakers and institutional leaders was designed to align policy with implementation and public expectations.

The Consul General of the Royal Danish Embassy in Nigeria, Jette Bjerrum, underscored Denmark’s readiness to deepen maritime cooperation with Nigeria, highlighting shared seafaring heritage and growing opportunities in the blue economy.

Bjerrum said Denmark was keenly observing developments in Nigeria’s maritime space and exploring avenues for collaboration, particularly as the global blue economy gains prominence as a driver of sustainable growth, job creation, food security and climate resilience.

On maritime security, the envoy reaffirmed Denmark’s partnership with Nigeria through the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security Programme, which supports maritime domain awareness and response capabilities across the region.
Bjerrum added that Denmark has reinforced its commitment by appointing a defence attaché in Nigeria to support ongoing initiatives.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, clarified institutional responsibilities within the port reform framework, noting that while the Nigerian Ports Authority is implementing the Port Community System, the Shippers’ Council is mandated to execute the cargo tracking regime under the law.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced steps to revive the long-delayed International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), following presidential approval for its procurement process.

Akutah expressed optimism that the initiative — anchored on the International Cargo Tracking Act — is now progressing, with its rollout expected before the end of 2026.

According to him, the renewed push comes after years of stalled implementation attempts that had seen the cargo tracking system introduced and subsequently suspended multiple times.

The NSC boss noted that past challenges had undermined its sustainability, emphasising that the current administration is taking deliberate steps to address all outstanding issues to prevent another suspension.

Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted recent developments in the country’s energy landscape, commending the Federal Government for maintaining stability despite global disruptions triggered by the U.S.–Iran conflict.

He noted that while several countries are grappling with energy shortages and long queues for fuel, Nigeria has maintained relative stability.

Dantsoho said in the last month, Nigeria has exported up to 500,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products to other African countries, adding that the shipments were executed through efficient ship and cargo operations within Nigerian ports.

Dantsoho further highlighted the role of the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative, domiciled at the Apapa port complex, which brings together all agencies involved in refinery and port operations under a single platform to enhance coordination and execution.