- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (fourth left, front row), flanked by primary, secondary and university students who won prizes in the 2025 World Maritime Day Essay Competition, during the celebration of the event in Lagos … Thursday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ocean stewardship, maritime security and sustainable blue economy growth.
Speaking at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, Oyetola said the theme of this year’s event, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” underscored the urgent need for collective responsibility in protecting the ocean and unlocking its vast economic potential.
The minister noted that the ocean covers over “70 per cent of the planet, produces up to 80 per cent of the earth’s oxygen, sustains billions of livelihoods, and carries over 80 per cent of global trade.”
However, he lamented that the ocean remains “under mounting threat from pollution, overfishing, climate change and neglect. Against this development, Oyetola charged stakeholders to “be stewards, not exploiters.”
Highlighting the modernisation of port infrastructure, adoption of sustainable maritime policies, and stronger regional frameworks for security and trade under the current administration, he emphasised that the blue economy as a new frontier for diversification beyond oil and gas.
“From renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology to sustainable aquaculture, the opportunities are vast. Our vision is to harness these possibilities to make the sector a leading contributor to Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
The minister further called for partnership from the diplomatic community, stating that “the maritime sector is a natural platform for international cooperation, and diplomacy is its strongest anchor.”
He also urged everyone to recommit to protecting ocean resources and ensuring sustainability for future generations, adding that it is obligatory to safeguard and transform it for the benefit of future generations.
The event also witnessed the presentation of prizes to students and undergraduates who won the essay competitions organised to commemorate the day.
