London Int’l Shipping Week: Oyetola Woos Investors To Nigeria’s Maritime Potential
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged international investors to tap into the vast potential of the country’s marine and blue economy, positioning it as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation.
The Minister made the call on Thursday during the London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025 in the United Kingdom, as stated by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
In his keynote address at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly side-event, themed ‘Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade,’ Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regulatory reforms, port modernization, maritime security, and sustainable shipping practices as key factors making the country an attractive investment hub.”
Represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Minister stated that, “Our oceans and inland waterways are our lifeblood, our highways to prosperity, and the very arteries that will fuel the African Continental Free Trade Area,”
The Minister who reaffirmed the country’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of its marine resources, noted that the government’s ambitious reforms are geared towards positioning Nigeria as the maritime hub of West and Central Africa.
He underscored Nigeria’s significant progress in maritime security, citing the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and contributed to a sharp decline in incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the nation has recorded three consecutive years without piracy attacks in its territorial waters, a feat that has earned commendations from the International Maritime Bureau.
“This is proof that Nigeria is a safe destination for maritime investments. Security of our seas is non-negotiable, and we are committed to sustaining these gains through technology-driven surveillance, strong legal frameworks such as the SPOMO Act, and regional collaboration,” he emphasized
Oyetola further showcased Nigeria’s growing port infrastructure, with the landmark Lekki Deep Sea Port standing as a symbol of public-private partnership success, stressing that with its state-of-the-art facilities and capacity to berth the world’s largest vessels, it is expected to serve as a vital transshipment hub for landlocked African nations.
“We are now actively collaborating to scale up transshipment operations for countries such as Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso, positioning Nigeria as the maritime hub of the sub-region,” he said.
The Minister also underscored the importance of sustainable growth, insisting that the blue economy would not only drive profit but also safeguard the environment,
urging investors to look beyond short-term gains and embrace the long-term benefits of investing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving maritime landscape.
Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to green shipping, eco-friendly ports, and climate-resilient coastal management, Oyetola emphasized the critical need for regulatory harmonization across Africa’s maritime sector.
He pointed out that fragmented regulations and non-tariff barriers hinder the African Continental Free Trade Area’s effectiveness.
“It is a paradox that we seek to remove tariffs through AfCFTA while leaving non-tariff barriers, such as disparate port procedures and differing customs regulations, largely intact,” he noted
The Minister therefore called for accelerated implementation of continental instruments such as the Revised African Maritime Transport Charter to create a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
He utilized the platform to solicit support for Nigeria’s candidature to the international Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, Category C, for the 2026-2027 biennium.
He underscored that Nigeria’s aspiration transcends national interests, noting that a vote for Nigeria would amplify African voices in maritime governance.
In conclusion, he appealed to investors and stakeholders to capitalize on the sector’s opportunities, emphasizing the importance of collective action in navigating regulatory complexities and building a robust African maritime sector.
Nigeria’s participation in the London International Shipping Week coincides with the global maritime industry’s shift towards resilience, sustainability, and digitalization. As a premier event, LISW unites key stakeholders, offering Nigeria a unique platform to attract foreign investment in its maritime sector and amplify Africa’s voice in global maritime governance.
