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By Steve Agbota
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has outlined ambitious plans to elevate Nigeria’s maritime sector to global standards.
Oyetola stated this at the BusinessDay Maritime Conference 2024 held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where he emphasised the sector’s critical role in economic diversification and sustainable development.
However, Oyetola highlighted initiatives aimed at propelling Nigeria into the top ranks of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Under his leadership, he said the Ministry has prioritised strategic reforms to enhance operational efficiency and attract investments, which he said includes the implementation of the National Single Window initiative and a Port Community System to automate port processes.
According to him, these measures are geared towards improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking and fostering a conducive environment for trade and investment.
Speaking on the Ministry’s achievements, Oyetola reported significant progress in revenue generation, driven by innovative strategies to block revenue leakages and explore new sources within the maritime sector.
He underscored ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, including the development of inland dry ports and modernisation projects at key ports across the country.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing port modernisation, dredging activities, and deploying cutting-edge maritime technologies.
He also announced plans for the development of additional deep-sea ports on a PPP basis, aiming to further bolster Nigeria’s maritime capabilities.
Oyetola extended his appreciation to BusinessDay for hosting the maritime conference which served as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting the maritime industry.
Acknowledging the contributions of participants Oyetola underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving excellence within the sector. He expressed optimism that the insights gained from the conference would propel Nigeria towards greater economic prosperity.
through the harnessing of its vast maritime resources.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming his commitment to developing a dynamic national policy framework for the Marine and Blue Economy by the end of 2024.
He urged all stakeholders to continue working together towards realizing the sector’s full potential, ensuring sustainable growth and inclusive development across coastal communities.
