The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has tasked the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and other agencies under the ministry to ensure that the 2025 budget creates a significant impact on the marine industry in the country.
Speaking while considering the agencies’ budget proposals in Abuja, the Minister urged them to align and prioritize their 2025 budget proposals to ensure impactful development in line with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan.
He expressed optimism that the budget proposals will further consolidate the Ministry’s plan to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.
According to a statement by Anastasia Ogbonna, “Our fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every naira allocated delivers a measurable impact.”
“I hope that the 2025 budget will not only address the immediate needs of this Ministry and its agencies but also serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth.”
Oyetola further explained that the marine and blue economy sector holds unparalleled potential for national development, providing a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
He emphasized that resources should be directed toward strengthening the maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations, and the enforcement of maritime laws.
The Minister also highlighted the need to enhance capacity in aquaculture, fishing ports, and curbing illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector.
Other priority areas, such as promoting oceanographic research, stock assessments, renewable marine energy, and climate resilience technologies, he said, should also be at the forefront for the agencies.
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Regarding the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister stated that the policy is not just a document but a roadmap that will guide collective efforts toward the sustainable management of marine resources, climate adaptation, technological innovation, and enhanced governance in the sector.
“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasizes the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.”
The heads of agencies in attendance included: the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
