- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (left), Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, and Head of Commercial, Royal Danish Consulate, Sara Ibru, when the envoy visited the minister Oyetola in Abuja… on Tuesday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described Denmark as a valued maritime partner and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with the country in unlocking the enormous opportunities within the marine and blue economy.
Oyetola spoke in Abuja Tuesday when he hosted the Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, in his office, also using the occasion to court Danish investors to Nigeria’s fast-growing marine and blue economy sector.
He assured them of a favourable investment climate, strong institutional support and promising returns in Nigeria’s maritime sector, according to a statement from the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
The minister, who thanked the Denmark Government for supporting Nigeria’s election into the Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council last November, noted that the achievement has further strengthened Nigeria’s standing in global maritime affairs.
He further commended Danish investments in Nigeria’s port sector through APM Terminals, which operates in the Apapa and Onne Ports, describing it as a strategic contribution to the modernisation and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The minister briefed the ambassador on the ministry’s ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential, such as the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
Others include the strengthened maritime security that has led to the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters, a significant reduction of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, port modernisation programmes, revitalisation of inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture development, and conservation of marine biodiversity, among others.
He noted that these initiatives are designed to drive sustainable economic growth, create employment, boost trade facilitation and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa. Urging Danish investors to take advantage of these opportunities, he assured of government’s commitment to protecting investments and ensuring long-term sectoral growth.
Earlier, Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its election into the IMO Category C Council, describing it as a recognition of the country’s growing leadership in maritime affairs.
According to him, membership of the IMO Council offers Nigeria a strategic platform to influence global maritime policy, contribute to international ocean governance, and participate in key decisions on maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would bring its experience and regional influence to bear in advancing international maritime cooperation.
The Danish envoy further noted that both countries share common interests in the marine and blue economy, delighted that APM Terminals has invested approximately $1.2 billion in Nigerian ports, with plans for further investments to expand operations.
He also highlighted Denmark’s global expertise in wind energy and green maritime technologies, stating his country’s openness to sharing knowledge and experience with the Blue Economy ministry in renewable energy and other sustainable maritime solutions.
