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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described Nigeria’s inclusion in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council as a landmark achievement that had eluded the country for 15 years.
Oyetola made these remarks while speaking with journalists in his hometown of Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, during his 72nd birthday celebration organised by friends, family and political associates.
Expressing gratitude for the honour, the Minister thanked God for his life and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing a dedicated ministry to harness the nation’s untapped aquatic resources.
“Nigeria is blessed with massive marine assets, including 853 kilometres of coastline, 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,” Oyetola said.
Reviewing the ministry’s milestone achievements, the Minister noted that a robust National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy was approved by the Federal Executive Council to guide investment opportunities.
Highlighting improvements in maritime security and global standing, Oyetola stated: “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.”
On domestic production, Oyetola revealed that capacity-building initiatives for local fishermen have boosted annual domestic fish yield from 1.3 million to 1.5 million metric tons, helping to reduce reliance on seafood imports.
To enhance safety across inland waterways, the Minister noted that the ministry is cracking down on unseaworthy vessels and overloading, alongside carrying out mass public advocacy and distributing life jackets to operators to minimise boat mishaps.
Addressing infrastructure deficits, Oyetola outlined ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s existing seaports in Apapa, Tin Can Island, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt.
“We are losing significant revenue to neighbouring coastal countries because of shallow draft levels.
“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,” Oyetola added.
He added that plans are under way to expand deep-sea port capacity beyond the Lekki Deep Sea Port, citing a recent memorandum of understanding signed between the Ogun State Government and global port operator DP World to construct a deep-sea port featuring an 18-metre draft depth.
He emphasised that these infrastructure developments will drastically reduce vessel turnaround times, boost trade efficiency and maximise maritime revenue.
Speaking at the event, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, paid tribute to Oyetola, describing him as a compassionate leader and mentor whose service continues to uplift party members and the wider public.
