Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted the pivotal role of the South‑South region in the country’s marine and blue‑economy ambitions while receiving a delegation from the South‑South Development Commission, led by Managing Director Usoro Akpabio. He noted that the region’s extensive coastline, key ports, and abundant aquatic resources are strategic assets essential to Nigeria’s maritime future.
Dr. Oyetola affirmed the federal government’s commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure in the South‑South to support national economic growth. As part of this effort, ports in Warri, Rivers, and Calabar will be modernised under the federal port‑upgrade initiative, including dredging to a minimum depth of 16 metres. Deeper channels are expected to attract larger vessels, reduce cargo‑handling costs, boost trade and increase revenue, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the Gulf of Guinea.
The ministry is also working with state governments to establish new deep‑sea ports in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers. These projects aim to position Nigeria as a regional maritime hub, enhancing logistics, industry and employment opportunities. Dr. Oyetola emphasized that the region’s significance extends beyond shipping to marine tourism, urging states to leverage the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to expand coastal tourism and spur prosperity.
Citing the Maritime Academy in Oron and the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, the minister underscored the region’s role in developing skilled manpower for the growing maritime sector. He reiterated the government’s efforts to close Nigeria’s fish‑production gap and reduce foreign‑exchange expenditure on fish imports, pointing to the South‑South’s rich fishing grounds as key to achieving self‑sufficiency and advancing aquaculture.
Dr. Oyetola called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting its clear plan for the marine and blue‑economy sector as outlined in the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. The policy provides a framework for sustainable resource use, investment and job creation.
Earlier, Ms. Akpabio praised the minister’s leadership and commitment to maritime reform, expressing the Commission’s readiness to partner with the ministry on blue‑economy projects across the region. She proposed establishing a joint working committee to coordinate programmes and strengthen collaboration, emphasizing that sector development would deepen regional integration, drive growth and improve livelihoods.
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