By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the Nigerian maritime community to act as stewards and not exploiters in their day-to-day operations. This, he said, is crucial to guarantee the sustainable utilization of the nation’s marine resources. Oyetola made this appeal while speaking at the national celebration for World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 in Lagos.
According to Oyetola, the ocean produces between 50 and 80 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, provides food and livelihoods for billions, and carries more than 80 percent of global trade. However, it is under mounting threat from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and neglect. He emphasized that the message is clear: stakeholders must be stewards, not exploiters. This requires enforcing sustainable fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening maritime safety and security.
The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains committed to advancing marine governance, modernizing port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation. He commended the various agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, as well as stakeholders across the sector, for their contributions. Oyetola noted that considerable progress has been made in these areas.
The Director General of the Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said that NIMASA’s obligation lies in ensuring environmental stewardship, maritime safety, and security. He emphasized that the agency is strongly advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. NIMASA is also driving the implementation of IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (4th from left) flanked by primary, secondary and university students who won prizes in the 2025 World Maritime Day Essay competition, during the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos on Thursday.
Mobereola lamented that the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally. He noted that public funding will never be enough to close the gaps and encouraged private sector support. The NIMASA boss also highlighted the plastic pollution crisis and the agency’s Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed that beyond fanfare, there is a need for every stakeholder to make a stronger commitment to take actions that make the ocean cleaner. He emphasized that making global port operations eco-friendlier and actualizing the other noble objectives of the world ports sustainability program rests heavily on the shoulders of maritime stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, assured that the Senate would continue to champion policies and legislations for a sustainable marine and blue economy. He emphasized that the National Assembly remains steadfast in providing the legal and oversight framework that will enable the sector to thrive.
The Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, highlighted the numerous opportunities in renewable energy and gas. He encouraged stakeholders to explore funding opportunities and emphasized that Nigerian energy transition is a pathway for economic diversification and sustainable ocean usage.
