The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is fully committed to promoting partnership with industry players to drive innovation, and champion sustainability maritime sector.
 
Oyetola, who made this statement at the stakeholders sensitisation workshop in Abuja, said: “Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector full potential,” as harnessing the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
 
He stated that the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to mineral-based presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy.

He noted that this shift could significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs. “Nigeria’s establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our economy and capitalising on the global surge in deep-sea exploration. As a major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier,” said Oyetola.
 
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders in the sector about the significance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.
 
The Director General, NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the agency in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, would ensure Nigeria’s compliance with global standards.
 
Speaking on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, Mobereola noted that the need to amend the act to reflect relevant provisions of the ISA’s model of legislation on exploration and exploitation could not be overemphasised. He acknowledged the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to ensuring the full implementation of relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards.