Nigeria urges foreign investors to unlock marine, blue economy

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria has called on global investors to explore opportunities in its marine and blue economy, describing it as a pathway to Africa’s economic growth.

At the 2025 London International Shipping Week, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, urged investors to consider the long-term potential in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters, Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s progress in regulatory reforms, port modernization, maritime security, and sustainable shipping.

He praised the Deep Blue Project for eliminating piracy in Nigerian waters and reducing incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.

Oyetola also called for harmonised maritime regulations across Africa to strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that inconsistent rules continue to hinder trade.

The Minister further sought support for Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the IMO Council for 2026–2027, emphasizing the country’s commitment to advancing global maritime progress.