By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), has praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for introducing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector and expanding opportunities within the country’s blue economy.
AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguw, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the association’s executive committee to the Minister in Abuja on Wednesday. He described Oyetola’s leadership as focused and forward-looking, noting that the Ministry’s initiatives are laying the foundation for long-term growth and increased competitiveness in the maritime industry.
Maiguwa singled out the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as one of the Ministry’s most significant achievements. According to him, the policy provides a clear direction for the sustainable development and management of the country’s marine resources while creating greater confidence for investors.
He said the policy is expected to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, encourage innovation, promote environmental sustainability, improve capacity development and support economic diversification through the maritime sector.
The AMANO President also commended the Minister for introducing the quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Summit, saying the initiative has created a platform for regulators, industry operators, investors, professional bodies, labour unions and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and jointly develop solutions for the sector.
On the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Maiguwa urged the Federal Government to continue protecting the institution’s specialised status, stressing that the Academy remains critical to the production of qualified maritime professionals.
He said preserving the Academy’s core mandate would ensure Nigeria continues to train seafarers and other maritime professionals who meet international standards under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
“We want the Academy to remain focused on its specialised mandate because Nigeria needs competent maritime professionals to compete globally. Our members work across the maritime industry, both within and outside the country, and understand the importance of maintaining high professional standards,” he said.
Maiguwa also informed the Minister that AMANO would hold its Stakeholders’ Engagement and National Convention in November, bringing together policymakers, regulators, maritime operators, development partners and industry professionals to discuss issues affecting the sector.
He formally invited Oyetola to chair the event and deliver the keynote address, expressing confidence that his participation would further strengthen collaboration between government and maritime stakeholders.
Responding, Oyetola thanked the association for its support, describing the recognition as an encouragement to continue implementing reforms in the marine and blue economy sector.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to fully harness Nigeria’s maritime resources in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the Ministry is pursuing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, modernising maritime infrastructure, strengthening regulatory institutions, promoting local content and attracting greater investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and other blue economy activities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda provides a clear pathway for unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. Our focus is on creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, improving efficiency across maritime institutions and positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa,” the Minister said.
Oyetola also assured indigenous ship owners of the Ministry’s continued support, saying efforts are ongoing to create a more enabling business environment that will allow Nigerian operators to play a bigger role in regional and international maritime trade.
He added that the Ministry would continue working closely with stakeholders across the industry, stressing that sustained dialogue and collaboration remain essential to achieving lasting reforms and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
