*Moves to revive fishing terminals to cut import, enhance export earnings

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has proposed the expansion and upgrade of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, known as the Deep Blue Project, to further strengthen maritime security architecture in Nigeria and across the Gulf of Guinea.
 
The Ministry has also ramped up local fish production through the reactivation of fishing terminals nationwide to curb imports, boost job creation and export earnings.
 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola stated this while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja.
 
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola and made available to journalists yesterday, Oyetola said a proposal had been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
  
He said Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for more than four years due to the implementation of the globally-acclaimed Deep Blue Project.
 
Oyetola said the deep blue project, which integrates air, land and sea assets alongside advanced surveillance systems, has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and response capability, restoring confidence among international shipping lines and investors.
 
The Minister said improved security has had far-reaching economic and social benefits, not only for Nigeria but across the Gulf of Guinea, once regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.
 
“Safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and greater regional trade flows,” he said.
 
Oyetola added that the planned expansion would consolidate these gains, positioning Nigeria as a leader in maritime security in the West and Central African subregion while supporting broader economic growth tied to the blue economy.
 
On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said the ministry is prioritising the sector as a key driver of food security, job creation and export earnings.
 
He disclosed that efforts were underway to reactivate fishing terminals nationwide and provide support for artisanal fish farmers.
 
The minister said it no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation, adding that the government is determined to end fish imports.
 
He pointed to a recent increase in local fish production from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025 as evidence of progress, while stressing that more would be done to meet domestic demand and tap into export opportunities.
  
In a major boost for the sector, Oyetola revealed that the United States had approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device, a certification that enables Nigerian shrimp exports to access both U.S. and European markets.
 
He said the development has unlocked significant foreign exchange earnings, improved the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry and created jobs along the value chain, from fishing and processing to logistics and export services.
 
He assured the NESG of the ministry’s commitment to close collaboration with the private sector to drive reforms and investments across the marine and blue economy sector.
 
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, NESG, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a robust national policy on marine and blue economy, describing it as a critical framework for unlocking the sector’s vast potential.
 
He noted that the policy provides a structured pathway for sustainable exploitation of marine resources, improved governance, environmental protection and increased private sector participation.
 
According to him, effective implementation of the policy will boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, create employment, enhance food security and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global blue economy.
 
Aduloju emphasised that the marine and blue economy sector is central to the Federal Government’s agenda of job creation and poverty reduction.