The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has restated its commitment to fully harness Nigeria’s vast maritime assets for economic prosperity.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who made this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), said the ministry is implementing strategic reforms designed to improve the ease of doing business within the maritime sector, modernise critical infrastructure, strengthen regulatory efficiency, deepen local content participation and attract greater domestic and foreign investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and other blue economy value chains.

Oyetola further assured that the ministry would continue to implement policies and initiatives that strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and create a more enabling operating environment for Nigerian ship owners.

“We are committed to creating a level playing field where indigenous ship owners can thrive, expand their operations and participate more actively in both regional and international maritime trade.

“Our goal is to build a resilient maritime economy that empowers Nigerian businesses, creates employment, retains greater value within our economy and supports the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister added.

He assured the AMANO delegation that the ministry would continue to work closely with stakeholders across the maritime industry, recognising that sustained consultation, collaboration and shared responsibility remain essential to achieving lasting reforms and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The President, AMANO, Emmanuel Maiguwa, commended the minister’s visionary leadership and transformative reforms that are repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

He applauded the ministry’s policy direction and strategic interventions aimed at unlocking the enormous economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

He particularly praised Oyetola for driving the development and adoption of Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a landmark achievement that provides the country with a comprehensive strategic framework for the sustainable development, regulation and management of its vast marine resources.

According to him, the policy represents a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime history because it establishes a clear roadmap for investment, environmental sustainability, capacity development, innovation and inter-agency collaboration across the sector.

He noted that the policy would provide certainty for investors, strengthen institutional coordination and position the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to national economic diversification, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.