Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry, declaring that there is no going back on efforts to reposition local operators for global competitiveness.

He said the Federal Government was working round the clock to put in place the right policies, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure that would enable Nigerian shipowners to compete favourably, not just locally but on the international stage.

Oyetola gave the assurance yesterday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) planning committee in his office in Abuja, who solicited the ministry’s support for NIMAREX 2025, scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 17-19, 2025.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Committee and President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Mr Sola Adewunmi, also included the Secretary of the committee, Ms Funmi Folorunso, and the Director of Government Relations, Mr Tokunbo Ogunwale.

Oyetola commended the committee for reviving the once-dormant NIMAREX platform and said the government views the event as a crucial avenue for collaboration