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  • Nigeria returns to IMO Council after14 years as Oyetola leads campaign

    Nigeria returns to IMO Council after14 years as Oyetola leads campaign

    Nigeria has been elected into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.

    The election, which was held yesterday during the IMO General Assembly in London, marks Nigeria’s return to the Council after a 14-year absence.

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who led Nigeria’s campaign, said the victory crowned over 12 months of intensive diplomacy shuttles, targeted engagements and sustained advocacy across various countries and maritime blocs.

    Speaking moments after the results were declared, Oyetola described Nigeria’s election as an endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister in a statement by his Media Aide, Dr Bolaji Akinola stated: “This victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of His Excellency President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”

    He also stated that the election represents a major boost to Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.

    “Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back; stronger, more strategic and more determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance. We worked tirelessly, travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to take up this responsibility.”

    The minister thanked President Tinubu for providing the support that made the campaign successful despite the highly competitive nature of the election.

    “Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing and every resource we needed to prosecute this campaign. His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” he noted.

    He also thanked the international maritime community for believing in Nigeria, affirming that the results demonstrate broad trust in the reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

    Read Also: Oyetola makes final diplomatic push for Nigeria’s IMO Council seat in London

    “The world has stood with us, and we do not take this for granted. Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he pledged.

    The Minister further commended the Technical Committee of Experts chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, acknowledging their coordination, planning and commitment to Nigeria’s success.

    Nigeria joins 19 other nations in Category C – countries recognised for their special interests in maritime transport and navigation and selected to ensure balanced geographical representation within the IMO Council.

    The elected states in Category C are: Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Africa.

    Countries elected into Category B, representing nations with the largest interests in international seaborne trade, are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates.

    Category A, comprising the world’s leading providers of international shipping services, saw the election of China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

    The Minister said: “We have earned the world’s confidence. Now we must deepen our reforms, strengthen our institutions and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading maritime nation”.

  • JUST IN: Nigeria secures Category C IMO seat

    JUST IN: Nigeria secures Category C IMO seat

    Nigeria has clinched a major diplomatic and maritime breakthrough with its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, an influential seat the country last held 14 years ago.

    The victory, announced on Friday during the IMO General Assembly in London, marks a strategic comeback for Africa’s largest maritime nation and signals a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the $4 trillion global shipping industry.

    The country’s successful bid was anchored by more than a year of high-level maritime diplomacy led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who described the win as “a landmark endorsement of the renewed confidence the world has in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    According to him, “This victory is not just for Nigeria; it is a vote of confidence in our maritime reforms, our security efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and the bold vision of His Excellency President Tinubu to unlock the full potential of the blue economy.”

    Nigeria’s election—coming at a time when the country is intensifying maritime security operations, port system reforms, and blue economy investments—immediately strengthens its voice in shaping policies on shipping safety, marine environment protection, and global seaborne trade.

    Oyetola stressed that the win repositions Nigeria in global maritime governance, saying, “Our return to the IMO Council after fourteen years signals that Nigeria is back — stronger, more strategic and more determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of global shipping, maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance.”

    He noted that the campaign involved “travelling across continents, building bridges and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness” to resume a leadership role in multilateral maritime engagement.

    The minister credited the victory to the political will of President Tinubu, acknowledging that his support proved decisive in a highly competitive election year.

    “Mr President gave us every encouragement, every backing, and every resource we needed to prosecute this campaign. His leadership opened doors and inspired immense goodwill from across the world,” Oyetola said.

    He further thanked the international maritime community for their confidence, adding, “Nigeria will serve with integrity, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility.”

    Oyetola commended the Technical Committee of Experts, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, describing their coordination as critical in securing the win.

    The committee provided technical briefs, built alliances across maritime blocs, and ensured alignment with IMO priorities on safety, decarbonisation, innovation, and sustainable oceans.

    With the election, Nigeria joins 19 other countries in IMO Category C—nations recognised for their “special interest in maritime transport and navigation” and chosen to promote balanced global representation.

    The 20 elected Category C members include Bahamas, Belgium, Cyprus, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Africa.

    Nigeria will sit alongside major shipping and maritime innovation hubs, placing it in a stronger position to attract technical support, deepen port modernisation programmes, and unlock foreign investment across coastal infrastructure, shipbuilding, marine tourism, and inland waterways logistics.

    The government expects the return to the Council to boost investor confidence, amplify Nigeria’s anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea, and enhance its access to IMO-backed maritime safety and environmental protection initiatives.

    Looking ahead, Oyetola pledged that the ministry would accelerate domestic maritime reforms to justify the international confidence reflected in the election.

    “We have earned the world’s confidence. Now we must deepen our reforms, strengthen our institutions, and ensure that Nigeria takes its rightful place as a leading maritime nation,” he said.

    Nigeria’s victory came as the country pushes to expand its maritime GDP contribution, leverage its strategic 853km coastline, and attract new investment into deepwater logistics, coastal shipping, port automation, and blue economy industries.

  • Oyetola urges Iragbiji community to support Tinubu’s development agenda

    Oyetola urges Iragbiji community to support Tinubu’s development agenda

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the people of Iragbiji and other Nigerians to firmly support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the ongoing developmental strides of the federal government as “a generational blessing that must be protected and maximised.”

    Oyetola made the call in Iragbiji during the 34th Iragbiji Day celebration, an event that drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (Odundun IV), eminent monarchs from across Osun State, captains of industry, and thousands of sons and daughters of the ancient town who converged to celebrate their cultural heritage and recent developmental milestones.

    Addressing the crowd to loud applause, the former Osun state governor said Iragbiji was witnessing an unprecedented transformation under President Tinubu — most notably the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), and the approval for the School of Fisheries to be sited in the community.

    “These two monumental institutions represent a generational blessing — a legacy that will change the face of Iragbiji forever,” Oyetola said, noting that the university would stimulate growth in education, drive innovation, expand employment opportunities, and attract national and international partnerships.

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    Oyetola added that the School of Fisheries aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy framework, explaining that it would empower young people with practical skills in aquaculture, marine sciences, and sustainable environmental management.

    The Minister urged the community to view the institutions not merely as government projects, but as “living legacies that will shape the destiny of our children and generations yet unborn.”

    He also used the platform to rally support for President Tinubu, stressing that the President’s fairness and inclusivity in national development deserved reciprocal commitment from citizens.

    “I call on every son and daughter of Iragbiji to embrace these projects wholeheartedly and to continue to support President Tinubu’s administration. By supporting his policies, we support progress, we support unity, and we secure a better future for ourselves and for our children,” he said.

    In a warm tribute to the host monarch, the Minister praised Oba Olabomi for the peace, progress, and unity that Iragbiji has enjoyed under his reign, describing him as a leader whose wisdom continues to guide the town toward prosperity.

    He advised the youths to shun drug abuse and crime, emphasising that “there are no shortcuts to lasting success,” and urging them to choose diligence, integrity, and hard work.

    The ceremony, rich in cultural displays, reunions, and community fundraising, further highlighted Iragbiji’s reputation for hospitality and communal spirit — values Oyetola encouraged residents to extend to incoming students, lecturers, and staff of the newly approved federal institutions.

    “Our story is one of resilience, unity, and divine favour. As we celebrate the 34th Iragbiji Day, let us look to the future with hope and determination,” he said. “Iragbiji’s greatness lies not in her size, but in the greatness of her people.”

    The celebration ended with renewed optimism as indigenes pledged continued commitment to the growth and progress of the town.

  • Oyetola lauds dockworkers’ role in maritime growth

    Oyetola lauds dockworkers’ role in maritime growth

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has lauded the invaluable contributions of Nigerian dockworkers to the nation’s maritime growth, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare and ensuring safer working conditions across the ports.

    Oyetola made the pledge in Lagos during the 2025 Day of the Dockworker celebration, organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

    Themed “Safe Port, Safe Ship,” the event highlighted the importance of dockworkers to the sustainability of port operations and Nigeria’s expanding blue economy.

    Represented by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Oyetola described dockworkers as the backbone of the maritime industry whose efforts power the nation’s trade and economic activities.

    According to him, “Today reminds us that our dockworkers are vital to creating a maritime industry where safety is assured and productivity increases. As dockworkers, you are the first link in the trade chain that fuels our economy and turns the potential of the blue economy into real national growth.”

    The minister disclosed that the Federal Government, through NIMASA, has initiated several safety and capacity-building programmes, including the provision of modern protective equipment for dockworkers and riverine transport operators, enhanced safety training, and improved emergency response mechanisms.

    “Through NIMASA, we are enhancing safety training, improving emergency response capabilities, and enhancing professional development schemes,” he added.

    In his remarks, the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, applauded the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its agencies for their continuous commitment to dockworkers’ welfare.

    He said, “It is a great honour to join all dockworkers in celebrating the 3rd edition of Dockworkers Day 2025. On behalf of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), I sincerely thank NIMASA, terminal operators, stevedores, and all maritime stakeholders for hosting this event and recognising the vital role of dockworkers in sustaining our nation’s maritime industry.”

    Bunu further commended Oyetola for his “remarkable efforts in revitalising Nigeria’s maritime sector” and also appreciated the Minister of Labour and Employment for his “steadfast commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian workers.”

    Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, the Director of Productivity, Measurement and Labour Standards, Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, urged stakeholders to maintain a safe work environment and ensure fair remuneration for dockworkers in line with international labour standards.

    “All stakeholders must remain committed to the ideals of a safe work environment and appropriate remuneration for dockworkers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards,” he stated.

    Representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Association of Stevedoring Operators (NASO), and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) also pledged continued collaboration towards ensuring safer and fairer working conditions for dockworkers.

    Organised annually by NIMASA in collaboration with NPA and NSC, Dockworkers’ Day is an event dedicated to recognising the vital role of dockworkers in port operations and promoting awareness of their safety, rights, and welfare within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

  • Fed Govt’s ports modernisation policy all-inclusive, says Oyetola

    Fed Govt’s ports modernisation policy all-inclusive, says Oyetola

    • Minister debunks Obi’s neglect of ports outside Lagos claim

    The Federal Government’s port modernization is all inclusive, Minister Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said yesterday.

    According to him, the policy is not limited only to Apapa and TinCan ports in Lagos but captures ports and Deep Seaports across all regions of the country.

    He debunked insinuations by former Anmabra State Governor Peter Obi that the projects were one-sided.

    The Ministry, according to a statement, said Oyetola “ has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.

    In addition to these ongoing interventions, the Minister said, “the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the nation’s maritime capacity. These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and a deep seaport in Cross River State. Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.

    Furthermore, “the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) — an agency under the Ministry — stands as a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos. These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.

    “The Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive. The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

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    The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Oyetola said, “wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading. The Federal Government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

    The Ministry, he said, “ remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance, and assures Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy.”

  • Aspirant lauds conferment of Fellow on Oyetola

    Aspirant lauds conferment of Fellow on Oyetola

    An Osun East Senatorial District aspirant, Francis Olaniyi, has lauded the conferment of award of honorary Fellow of the Centre for Leadership and Management on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, by the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in recognition of what it called his exceptional contributions to national development, public service and visionary leadership.

    The conferment took place at the university auditorium during the institution’s first Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.

    Olaniyi, who was at the event to felicitate the former Osun State governor, congratulated him on the honour bestowed on him by the institution.

    Olaniyi, the Majobaote of Ipetu Ijesa, said: “The award is a well-deserved one. It’s a recognition of our leader’s selfless service to the people of Nigeria. It’s a recognition of his sterling performances in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.’’

    Olaniyi, whose political structure is popularly known as Ijoba Federal, told the audience that naming the centre after the minister was a good step in the right direction,

    “The minister is working effectively to transform the country’s blue economy into sustainable national development,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Davido meets French President Macron

    The ceremony featured unveiling of Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    The centre was named in honour of the minister for his role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.

    Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled: ‘The Nexus between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth, driven by the responsible use of ocean, sea and inland water resources..

  • UNILORIN honours Oyetola, unveils Centre for Blue Economy

    UNILORIN honours Oyetola, unveils Centre for Blue Economy

    University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) yesterday conferred the Award of Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Management and Leadership on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to national development, public service and visionary leadership.

    The conferment took place at the university auditorium during the institution’s 1st Distinguished Lecture and Conferment of Award Ceremony, organised by the UNILORIN Centre for Advancement.

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq also received an Honorary Fellowship at the event, which was attended by dignitaries, including representatives of Kwara State Government, traditional rulers, members of the University Governing Council, vice chancellor, principal officers, academics and students.

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    The ceremony featured the unveiling of Adegboyega Oyetola Centre for Blue and Regenerative Economy, established by the university to promote research, innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    The centre was named in honour of the minister for his role in advancing the nation’s blue economy agenda.

    Delivering the maiden Distinguished Lecture titled: “The Nexus between Blue Economy and Higher Education for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, Oyetola described the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable national growth, driven by the responsible use of ocean, sea and inland water resources.

    He said Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and rich network of waterways held enormous potential for economic diversification, job creation and food security, provided the country invested in education, innovation and strong governance.

    The minister says the blue economy goes beyond exploiting marine resources—it integrates economic prosperity with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

    He noted that sectors such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP if harnessed effectively.

  • Fed Govt to collaborate with private investors to grow blue economy, says Oyetola

    Fed Govt to collaborate with private investors to grow blue economy, says Oyetola

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola has pledged to synergise with the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) Inc and work with other credible private investors to unlock the immense potential of the nation’s blue economy and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa.

    His partnership with the ICTSI, Oyetola said, is based on the company’s high level of investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth and the need to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector.

    The minister made the promise  when a high-level delegation from the ICTSI paid a courtesy visit to him in his office, Abuja.

    The visit was part of ongoing engagements aimed at deepening collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

    The ICTSI team, led by Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, included Vice President of the company, Hans Ole Madsen, the  Managing Director of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), Nicolo Scannavini and a Director in the company, Chidi Nzerem, Director.

    Discussions during the meeting, it was learnt,  focused on the current operational developments at OMT and explored strategies for its future expansion and efficiency enhancement in line with the Federal Government’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable blue economy.

    Oyetola commended ICTSI for its investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth, emphasising the Ministry’s readiness to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector.

     “Our goal is to make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive by ensuring efficiency, transparency, and sustainability,” the Minister said.

    His offices, Oyetola added,  “ will continue to work with credible private investors like ICTSI to unlock the immense potential of our blue economy and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa.”

    Since commencing operations in 2021, ICTSI’s Onne Multipurpose Terminal has played a transformative role in boosting cargo throughput and reducing vessel turnaround time at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.

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    The terminal, designed to handle a diverse range of cargo — including containers, break bulk, project and heavy-lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo — features a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay, 45 hectares of yard area, modern warehousing, and four new Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, among other state-of-the-art equipment.

    In June 2025, OMT made history when it received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship — the first of its kind to berth in West Africa. The vessel’s arrival, operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marked a milestone in the region’s shift toward environmentally sustainable shipping and underscored OMT’s commitment to green port operations. 

    Beyond its operational achievements, OMT has demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) leadership in its host communities, particularly in Ogu and surrounding areas. The company has executed several community-focused initiatives, including a Safe Water Scheme, youth empowerment programmes, and vocational training projects aimed at promoting local development and social inclusion.

    As one of Nigeria’s key logistics and cargo-handling hubs, Onne Multipurpose Terminal continues to strengthen its position as a vital gateway for maritime trade and logistics in West Africa. Through strategic partnerships, technological advancement, and community engagement, OMT remains a driving force in supporting Nigeria’s maritime economy and fostering sustainable growth.

  • Oyetola partners ICTSI, others to position Nigeria as a maritime hub in Africa

    Oyetola partners ICTSI, others to position Nigeria as a maritime hub in Africa

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) Inc. and engage other credible private investors to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy potential and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

    Oyetola said the partnership with ICTSI is rooted in the company’s significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime development, as well as the need to sustain a business-friendly environment that fosters private sector participation and innovation across the industry.

    The Minister made this commitment when a high-level delegation from ICTSI paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

    The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and private investors in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

    The ICTSI delegation, led by Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, included Hans Ole Madsen, Vice President of ICTSI; Nicolo Scannavini, Managing Director of Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT); and Chidi Nzerem, a Director of the company.

    Discussions during the meeting focused on current operations at OMT and explored strategies for future expansion, operational efficiency, and alignment with the Federal Government’s vision for a dynamic and sustainable blue economy.

    Read Also: Oyetola to NUC: Agric Varsity set for October admission

    Oyetola commended ICTSI for its investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth, emphasising the Ministry’s readiness to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector. 

    “Our goal is to make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive by ensuring efficiency, transparency, and sustainability,” the Minister said.

    His offices, Oyetola added, “ will continue to work with credible private investors like ICTSI to unlock the immense potential of our blue economy and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa.” 

    Since commencing operations in 2021, ICTSI’s Onne Multipurpose Terminal has played a transformative role in boosting cargo throughput and reducing vessel turnaround time at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State. 

    The terminal, designed to handle a diverse range of cargo — including containers, break bulk, project and heavy-lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo — features a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay, 45 hectares of yard area, modern warehousing, and four new Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, among other state-of-the-art equipment. 

    In June 2025, OMT made history when it received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship — the first of its kind to berth in West Africa. 

    The vessel’s arrival, operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marked a milestone in the region’s shift toward environmentally sustainable shipping and underscored OMT’s commitment to green port operations.  

    Beyond its operational achievements, OMT has demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) leadership in its host communities, particularly in Ogu and surrounding areas. 

    The company has executed several community-focused initiatives, including a Safe Water Scheme, youth empowerment programmes, and vocational training projects aimed at promoting local development and social inclusion. 

    As one of Nigeria’s key logistics and cargo-handling hubs, Onne Multipurpose Terminal continues to strengthen its position as a vital gateway for maritime trade and logistics in West Africa. 

    Through strategic partnerships, technological advancement, and community engagement, OMT remains a driving force in supporting Nigeria’s maritime economy and fostering sustainable growth.

  • Oyetola to NUC: Agric Varsity set for October admission

    Oyetola to NUC: Agric Varsity set for October admission

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has assured National University Commission that Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies is ready for admission this month.

    The minister spoke when he received an NUC team on Resource Verification in his Iragbiji, Osun State home, on a mission  to ascertain preparedness of the school for takeoff.

    Oyetola told the delegation, led by NUC’s Academic Planning Deputy Director, Dr. Victoria Pillah, to consider inadequacies seen as temporary, urging the team to resource-verify the university to beat end-of-October admission deadline.

    He said: “We are grateful to  Federal Government for considering the community worthy of not just an institution, but a university that’s specialised.

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    “We are working to develop the permanent site. We tried to ensure that the takeoff is in the facilities we have, as we have made it up to a reasonable level.

    “I can assure you that given the speed at which we are yearning to develop the permanent site, in two to three years, we would do better than you could expect.

    “I have friends and associates willing to support the university once we decide to move to permanent site. So, whatever inadequacies you may observe, it’s temporary.

    “I can assure you in your next visit to the permanent site, you would see progress in the permanent site.

    “We don’t want to miss this year’s matriculation. You know the university in Iyin-Ekiti and this were born on the same day. So, we don’t want to be left behind. We appreciate the efforts you can put in place to ensure the university is resource-verified.”

    The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Odundun IV, who earlier received the team in his palace, lauded Federal Government, Oyetola, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and other prominent influencers over their high stakes in the establishment of the University.

    The monarch also thanked the Minister’s wife, Mrs. Kafayat Olaitan Oyetola for her love for the community as demonstrated by her goodwill and support, especially since the establishment of the new University.

    Appreciating the monarch , the Minister and the host community, the Team Lead, Dr. Pillah said the delegation was impressed by the hospitality of the community, as well as the development and resources the new University has been able to acquire within a short period of time, promising that the NUC would objectively resource-verify the University for possible immediate takeoff.

    Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Mufutau Atayese, on behalf of the management, inclusive of the Registrar, Mr. Muritala Afolabi, the Bursar, Mr. Akeem Adeagbo and the Varsity Librarian, Prof. Lawal Wasiu, also thanked the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other stakeholders, especially Oyetola, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as well as Oba Olabomi.

    Forming the composition of the team for the Resource Verification were eight Professors drawn from different Universities, and nine experienced resource-examiners from the NUC.

    On the courtesy call to the Minister were the Founder of Pathfinder College of Heath Technology, Iragbiji, and Chairman of the University Implementation Committee, Mr. Bisi Olaboopo, members of his committee, the community Spokesperson, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, and the Chief of Staff to Aragbiji, Alhaji Olayide Oladiti, among others in attendance.