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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
MINISTER of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council as a major achievement after 15 years.
Oyetola spoke with journalists in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, during activities marking his 72nd birthday.
He said Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council represented a significant improvement in the country’s international maritime standing.
“For the first time in 15 years, Nigeria secured election into Category C of the IMO Council. That is a historic milestone that had repeatedly eluded the nation,” he said.
Oyetola said Nigeria possesses 853 kilometres of coastline, about 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways and an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone.
“These assets remain dormant until unlocked. The purpose of creating this ministry is to tap into those resources to generate employment, drive economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability,” he said.
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The minister said the Federal Executive Council had approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to guide investment in the sector.
He also disclosed that domestic fish production had increased from 1.3 million to 1.5 million metric tonnes annually following capacity-building programmes for local fishermen.
On inland waterways, Oyetola said the ministry was tackling overloading and use of unseaworthy vessels, while distributing life jackets and intensifying public awareness.
He said the Federal Government was also upgrading seaports in Apapa, Tin Can Island, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt.
“Our ports currently average a draft depth of about 13 metres, but attracting modern mega-vessels requires 16 to 18 metres. We are dredging and upgrading these facilities to reach a minimum 16-metre depth,” he said.
Oyetola added that plans were underway to expand deep-sea port capacity beyond Lekki, citing a memorandum of understanding between Ogun State Government and DP World for a proposed deep-sea port.
He said the infrastructure upgrades would reduce vessel turnaround time, improve trade efficiency and boost maritime revenue.
