Minister of Marine and Blue Economy – Shipping World News Magazine

Dec292025 by adminNo Comments

Historic Milestones of Nigerian Ports in 2025

From Congestion to Global Influence: Inside NPA’s Historic 2025 Maritime Transformation The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is currently riding a wave of unprecedented growth, making 2025 as a year of transformation for the country’s maritime sector.Since his appointment in July 2024, the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has revitalized the agency, turning Nigeria’s ports into models or hubs of efficiency that bolster the national economy. The numbers reflect this success: under Dr. Dantsoho’s stewardship, sustained port efficiencies helped propel Nigeria’s international trade to ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter of 2024. His impact extends to national fiscal policy, where he successfully implemented the presidential mandate to trade petroleum in Naira, reducing the stra...

Dec222025 by adminNo Comments

Ondo Deep Sea Port gets green light, set to serve Nigeria, West Africa

Misc, News Feature

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port will operate as a major hub for international trade, serving Nigeria and countries within the West African subregion. Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the revalidated licence for the port from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He said the port’s depth would allow very large vessels, bigger than those currently operating in Lagos ports, to berth with ease. The licence for the port, originally approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, was submitted for revalidation after errors were discovered in the initial document. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa commended the Fede...

Nov302025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

UNVEILED ! The Wisemen That Won IMO ” Trophy” For Nigeria….As Tinubu Congratulates Team Oyetola By ASU BEKS

Maritime, News Feature

Even though his pick by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria's pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy was unpopular with majority of maritime stakeholders at the time,Mr Adegboyega Oyetola , didnt seem distracted by naysayers. His eyes were focused on the ball, the tangibles and deliverables, in line with the renewed hope agenda.As an acclaimed technocrat , with a background in Insurance and as former Governor of Osun State , Oyetola was quick in drafting his goals for a turn around for an industry that was badly in need of a quick fix.Realising that succesful men are those who set goals for direction,motivation that help them navigate life proactively, Oyetola began to shop for the best hands that would help him drive the vision of the new ministry. As a visionary leader ,his style...

Oct222025 by adminNo Comments

Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar Ports Gear up for face lift as FG Begins Multi Milion Dollar Procurement Bids Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, as part of efforts to ensure balanced development across the nation’s maritime gateways. Oyetola stated this on Wednesday at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria,” held in Lagos. Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Minister said the ongoing port modernisation drive is aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and expanding capacity to meet global standards. “We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola said. “As part of this commitment, the Federal Government has approved a one billion US dollar modernisation project for the Lagos ports — a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and expand capacity to meet global standards. “In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways.” Oyetola explained that the initiatives reflect the administration’s determination to boost logistics performance and competitiveness within the marine and transport sectors, positioning Nigeria as a preferred hub for maritime trade and investment. He further noted that through strategic interventions such as the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has sustained a record of zero piracy incidents in the past three years. “Since the inception of the Ministry, we have focused on strategic reform and institutional strengthening. With the Deep Blue Project and other interventions, we are safeguarding our maritime domain to encourage investment and reduce the cost of doing business. I am glad to inform you that for more than three years, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents on its waterways,” he said. The Minister also revealed that the government has developed a comprehensive 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy to align maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development policies within a unified, sustainable framework. According to him, the Ministry is creating an enabling environment for private sector investment through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships (PPP), and targeted incentives aimed at driving innovation and job creation across the value chain. Oyetola stressed that the Ministry’s overarching goal is to promote sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity. “Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth — one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity,” he said. “Therefore, I urge CILT and its members to continue to champion the adoption of smart and green transport technologies; promote capacity building for young professionals and operators; advocate for data-driven planning in logistics management; and deepen collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders to align expertise with national priorities.” . Meanwhile, the President of CILT Nigeria, Mfon Usoro, announced a 242 percent increase in the Institute’s revenue over the past four years, reflecting the success of ongoing financial reforms and governance initiatives. According to her, CILT’s revenue rose from ₦7.8 million in December 2021 to ₦55 million in the third quarter of 2025, while its liquid assets grew from ₦17 million in early 2022 to ₦123 million as of Q3 2025. She attributed the growth to sound financial discipline, accountability, and strategic oversight, adding that all projects and expenditures now pass through the Finance, Budget, and Audit Committee for review. “Every disbursement request is scrutinised and audited quarterly. The outcome has been phenomenal,” she noted. Usoro revealed that the Council has approved the adoption of a modern Accounting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to enhance transparency and streamline audits. She said CILT’s transformation agenda—launched in 2021—has focused on governance reforms, membership expansion, and digitalisation, all of which have delivered tangible progress. Established in 1958, CILT Nigeria operates under the global CILT network headquartered in the United Kingdom and serves as the professional body for logistics and transport practitioners in Nigeria. “Accountability and transparency remain our watchwords. The improvement in our financial standing reflects the confidence and trust of our members,” Usoro said. The 2025 annual conference brought together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to discuss sustainable transport systems, digitalisation in logistics, and the Blue Economy.

News Feature

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed that the Federal Government has commenced procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, as part of efforts to ensure balanced development across the nation’s maritime gateways. Oyetola stated this on Wednesday at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria,” held in Lagos. Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Minister said the ongoing port modernisation drive is aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and expanding capacity to meet global standards. “We are working closel...

Sep52025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

When “August”Failed to Show up For Nigeria’s Shipowners. By Asu Beks.

Misc, News Feature

The month of August was originally called "Sextilis" in ancient Roman calendar but renamed in honour of Emperor Augustus Caesar in 8 BCE , reflecting his significant military and political achievements, including the conquest of Egypt. Historically, August has also been a month of significant events, from the abolition of slavery in Jamaica to the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Yet for many others, August is a time for summer holidays. The word August comes from the latin augustus, meaning a " venerable ", " consecrated" or " great", a fitting tribute to Emperor Caesar. Back home in Nigeria,August 24 , 1937, was the day the presumed winner of the June 12 , Presidential elections, Late Moshood Abiola, was born .However for Nigerian Shipowners, August was meant to be a month of e...

Jul272025 by adminNo Comments

Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund: How Many Shipowners Can Put N6.1b on the Table?By ASU BEKS.

Maritime, News Feature

Dear, Dayo Mobereola, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in my weekly Marine and Blue Economy Digest column in the Sunday Sun of May 19, 2025, i sent you an open letter in which i commended your bold initiative to break the over 20 years jinx on the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF. I also paid glowing tribute to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Adegboyega Oyetola ,for his commitment towards a timely disbursement. As DG NIMASA, I had ,in thst letter appreciated the burden on your shoulders as you navigate through these turbulent times to justify the confidence reposed on you by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that God should bestow on you the wisdom of Solomon and the heart of a lion to overcome the myriad of proble...

Jun162025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

Oyetola Courts Island Nations for Nigeria’s IMO Council Election Bid

Maritime, News Feature

In a significant diplomatic drive on the sidelines of the recently concluded 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, engaged in high-level meetings with leaders from several island nations to solicit support for Nigeria’s bid for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council later this year. The Honourable Minister met separately with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, The Honourable James Marape; the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Joyelle Clarke; and the Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment of Tuvalu, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia. These ...

Mar32025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

MIMA 2025: Oyetola nominated for Marine & Blue Economy Pacesetter Award

Maritime, Misc, News Feature

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has been nominated as the recipient of the "Marine and Blue Economy Pacesetter Award" by Maritime Media Limited, organisers of the Annual Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA). The award, according to the organizers, is in recognition of Oyetola's painstaking efforts to midwife the new ministry through his innovative leadership skill. In a letter signed by Elder Asu Beks, on behalf of the Editorial Board of Maritime Media Limited, Oyetola was commended for his engagement with critical stakeholders to develop a robust legal and policy framework, essential for navigating the complexities of the marine and blue economy sector. "As a thorough bred and a renowned technocrat, you have also been strategic in your drive to ensure th...

Feb282025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

RECURRING BOAT MISHAPS ON OUR WATERWAYS: THE OYETOLA ANTIDOTE. BY ASU BEKS.

Misc, News Feature

In what appears as bold move to nip in the bud the recurring incidents of boat mishaps in our Waterways, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee which is charged with the responsibility of reducing, if not completely eliminating the scourge. Headed by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr Bolaji Oyebamiji, the Committee has the responsibility to ensure that our Waterways are safe and secure in line with the theme of the 2024 World Maritime Day which is " Navigating the Future: Safety First ". Oyetola in a strong message to the ommittee charged them to come up with ways and means that will guarantee that Nigeria's Waterways are the safest and most secure in the West and Central African ...

Jan292025 by Asu BeksNo Comments

Port Efficiency: National Single Window is the Game Changer…Oyetola

News Feature

The implementation of a National Single Window for Nigeria will improve port efficiency, improved revenue collection, and drive economic transformation, according to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The Minister stated this on Wednesday in Lagos at the Stakeholders’ Forum on the Establishment of the National Single Window (NSW). The NSW project was launched in April 2024 by President Bola Tinubu as a pioneering cross-government system designed to streamline trade facilitation by integrating and syncing data from various government agencies to improve economic efficiency. Speaking at the event, Oyetola further stated that the implementation of the NSW project will further enhance trade facilitation in the country. “The implementation of the Single Win...