The Federal Government has harped on a major shift in the financing of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, opening discussions on private-sector funding and syndicated financing arrangements that could accelerate critical maritime infrastructure projects beyond traditional budgetary allocations.

The move emerged on Thursday when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, received a delegation from Coronation Group in Abuja to explore financing models capable of supporting the ministry’s ambitious infrastructure agenda.

Mahmood stated that sustained investment and access to long-term capital remain indispensable to unlocking the vast economic potential of the marine and blue economy, stressing that strategic partnerships with credible financial institutions would be central to delivering the ministry’s programmes.

She disclosed that the ministry would undertake a detailed evaluation of the financial products presented by the investment firm to determine areas that align with its policy priorities and development objectives.

The Permanent Secretary also directed relevant departments to review proposals for possible collaboration, including syndicated financing for major infrastructure projects considered critical to expanding the country’s marine economy.

She added that investment opportunities for ministry staff, including investment and share acquisition schemes, would also be assessed in line with existing regulatory and institutional guidelines.

Mahmood commended Coronation Group for its longstanding relationship with the ministry, particularly its contributions to civil service capacity building and digital transformation initiatives.

Presenting the company’s financing portfolio, Director of Coronation Group, David Aluko, said the firm possesses extensive capabilities in merchant banking, securities, insurance, asset management, financial advisory, bond issuance, syndicated lending and infrastructure finance.

He disclosed that the Group had established a N20 billion Infrastructure Development Fund designed to finance critical infrastructure while creating sustainable investment opportunities for institutional and private investors.

According to him, the company is positioned to mobilise long-term capital, structure innovative financing solutions and support government development projects through regulated financial instruments under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The engagement forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to deepen private-sector participation, attract sustainable investments and deploy innovative financing mechanisms aimed at accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.