The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a committee to organise the Nigeria Marine and Blue Economy Expo (NIMBEX), in a strategic move to position Nigeria as a leading destination for maritime investment, innovation and trade in Africa.

The expo is expected to bring together policymakers, international investors, industry leaders and technology innovators to support the Federal Government’s efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

NIMBEX will focus on key areas such as deep-sea mining, port development, shipping development, inland waterway development, logistics, offshore energy, maritime finance, fisheries, marine biotechnology, maritime security and environmental sustainability.

Oyetola said the initiative would provide a platform to translate the country’s maritime advantages into tangible investment opportunities, economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria’s marine and blue economy holds enormous potential to drive economic diversification, attract investment and create sustainable employment. NIMBEX will provide a strategic platform to bring together the capital, expertise and partnerships needed to unlock these opportunities,” the minister said.

Oyetola, who was represented at the inauguration by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, said the expo would help bridge the gap between Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and the investments required to harness them for national development.

With an 853-kilometre coastline, more than 10,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways spanning 28 states and a substantial domestic market, Nigeria possesses significant assets to strengthen its position in regional and international maritime trade.

The NIMBEX Organising Committee also includes representatives of coastal states, terminal operators, shipowners, freight forwarders, barge operators and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

The multi-agency composition is intended to promote coordinated planning and execution while connecting investors with credible, policy-backed opportunities across the sector.

The minister noted that the expo will also showcase emerging opportunities in marine renewable energy, green shipbuilding, artificial intelligence-driven logistics, subsea robotics and coastal tourism.