From Steve Agbota
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved Nigeria’s first National Marine and Blue Economy Policy (2025–2034), a transformative step to harness the country’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways for economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola described the policy as a “visionary framework” that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising sustainable prosperity.
Oyetola, speaking after the FEC approval on May 5, 2025, called the policy a “bold declaration of intent” to unlock Nigeria’s underutilised marine resources. “This is a defining moment for our nation. It is not just a policy document—it is a roadmap for national development,” he said. The 10-year plan, developed through inclusive stakeholder consultations, provides actionable guidelines for sectors like maritime trade, aquaculture, blue tourism, and clean ocean energy, with a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure accountability.
The policy, designed as a living document adaptable to global and domestic changes, emphasises private sector investment and public-private partnerships (PPPs). “Private sector investments are crucial, and PPPs will mobilise expertise and capital to unlock this sector’s potential,” Oyetola stated. He highlighted its alignment with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and global sustainability goals, aiming to boost GDP, create millions of jobs, and build climate-resilient coastal communities.
Oyetola noted Nigeria’s marine assets have been underutilised for decades, but the policy offers a blueprint to transform them into economic drivers. “From fisheries to renewable energy, this policy presents clear pathways,” he said, urging investors to seize opportunities.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will lead implementation with transparency, ensuring tangible improvements in livelihoods, revenue, and ecological well-being. “The ocean is our future, and we are ready to navigate it with clarity, purpose, and unity,” Oyetola concluded.
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