The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the Nigerian maritime community to act as stewards and not exploiters in their day-to-day operations. This appeal is crucial to guarantee the sustainable utilization of the nation’s marine resources.7

Speaking at the national celebration for World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 in Lagos, Oyetola highlighted the ocean’s significance. The ocean produces between 50 and 80 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, provides food and livelihoods for billions, and carries more than 80 percent of global trade. However, it faces mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and neglect.

Oyetola emphasized that stakeholders must be stewards, not exploiters, to protect the ocean. This requires enforcing sustainable fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening maritime safety and security. The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains committed to advancing marine governance, modernizing port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation.

The Director General of the Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted NIMASA’s obligation to ensure environmental stewardship, maritime safety, and security. NIMASA is advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and driving the implementation of IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment.

Mobereola lamented that the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally, with public funding insufficient to close the gaps. He encouraged private sector support and highlighted the plastic pollution crisis, which NIMASA is addressing through its Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed the need
[9/26, 4:16 AM] Meta AI: The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the Nigerian maritime community to act as stewards and not exploiters in their day-to-day operations. This appeal is crucial to guarantee the sustainable utilization of the nation’s marine resources.

Speaking at the national celebration for World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 in Lagos, Oyetola highlighted the ocean’s significance. The ocean produces between 50 and 80 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, provides food and livelihoods for billions, and carries more than 80 percent of global trade. However, it faces mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and neglect.

Oyetola emphasized that stakeholders must be stewards, not exploiters, to protect the ocean. This requires enforcing sustainable fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening maritime safety and security. The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains committed to advancing marine governance, modernizing port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation.

The Director General of the Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted NIMASA’s obligation to ensure environmental stewardship, maritime safety, and security. NIMASA is advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and driving the implementation of IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment.

Mobereola lamented that the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally, with public funding insufficient to close the gaps. He encouraged private sector support and highlighted the plastic pollution crisis, which NIMASA is addressing through its Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed the need for stakeholders to make a stronger commitment to protect the ocean. He emphasized that making global port operations eco-friendlier and achieving the noble objectives of the world ports sustainability program rests heavily on maritime stakeholders.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, assured that the Senate would continue to champion policies and legislations for a sustainable marine and blue economy. The Chairman of Integrated Oil, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, highlighted opportunities in renewable energy and gas, encouraging stakeholders to explore funding opportunities for Nigerian energy transition and sustainable ocean usage.