- Secretary, Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) planning committee, Funmi Folorunso (left), Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of NIMAREX planning committee, Sola Adewunmi, and NIMAREX Director of Government Relations, Tokunbo Ogunwale, during the committee’s visit to the minister in Abuja
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has restated the Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous shipping industry, declaring that there is no going back on efforts to reposition local operators for global competitiveness.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) planning committee in Abuja, Oyetola commended the committee for reviving the once-dormant NIMAREX platform.
He stated that government views the event as a crucial avenue for collaboration, investment promotion and knowledge exchange within the maritime sector.
He assured that the federal government was taking decisive steps to create a conducive operating environment for indigenous shipowners, address longstanding structural challenges, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Our commitment to indigenous shipping is total and irreversible,” Oyetola said. “The federal government is working round the clock to put in place the right policies, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure that will enable Nigerian shipowners compete favourably, both locally and on the international stage.
“There is no going back on this commitment. We are determined to see Nigeria-owned vessels flying our national flag and operating sustainably within our coastal waters and beyond. This will create jobs, retain value within our economy, and build a stronger maritime nation anchored on local capacity.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Sola Adewunmi, stated that NIMAREX was revived after several years of inactivity to complement government’s renewed push to attract foreign direct investment into the maritime and blue economy sectors.
He explained that the upcoming edition would serve as a unifying platform for public and private stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth. According to Adewunmi, “NIMAREX is back, and this time it is bigger, broader and better aligned with national objectives.
“We have the full support of key industry associations, including NISA, the Shipowners Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.”
He further commended Oyetola’s visionary leadership and inclusive approach to engaging stakeholders in implementing the Blue Economy agenda, noting that his support has rekindled confidence among shipowners and investors alike.
Also in the delegation was the NIMAREX 2025 Secretary, Funmi Folorunso, and the Director of Government Relations, Tounbo Ogunwale. The team visited to seek the ministry’s support for NIMAREX 2025, scheduled November 17 to 19 in Lagos.
