Oyetola hails Marine Economy policy as ‘new dawn’ for growth
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has described the approval of Nigeria’s first-ever National Marine and Blue Economy Policy as a “defining moment” for the nation.
He said the newly approved policy will chart a decade-long path to sustainable prosperity by unlocking opportunities in maritime trade, fisheries, tourism, and ocean energy.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday approved the landmark policy aimed at harnessing the economic and environmental potential of Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources.
“The FEC’s endorsement of this visionary policy signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s engagement with its marine and aquatic resources,” Oyetola said after the meeting in Abuja. “This is not just a policy document — it is a bold declaration of intent.”
According to him, the policy provides a comprehensive framework that balances environmental protection with inclusive economic growth, offering actionable guidelines for both public and private stakeholders.
Nigeria, with 853 kilometers of coastline and vast inland waterways, has long underutilized its marine resources. The minister expressed confidence that the new framework will transform marine assets into key drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Oyetola noted that the policy was developed through broad consultations with stakeholders nationwide, making it a product of expert input and national consensus.
He also called on local businesses and international investors to leverage the opportunities outlined in the policy, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships in mobilizing capital and technical expertise. The policy includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure transparency and accountability throughout its 10-year implementation.
