Tag: Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has taken a bold step to speed up the country’s marine sector transformation by holding agency heads to quantifiable outcomes and requiring stringent accountability for the execution of the recently approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyetola, speaking at a high-level sectoral retreat yesterday in Abuja, led the signing of performance bonds with chief executives of all agencies under the ministry, a pact he described as a “non-negotiable commitment to deliver.”

“This is not a ceremonial document. It is a pact with Nigerians. We must deliver measurable results, not promises,” the minister declared. 

“We have a national policy in place; now we must activate it with urgency, discipline, and clarity of purpose.”

The two-day retreat brought together top management from across the ministry and its agencies to chart a new course in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

Oyetola said the gathering was a moment for “realignment and purposeful engagement,” with the goal of repositioning the marine and blue economy as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

He said, “This retreat is not just another bureaucratic event. It is a defining moment to reflect, recalibrate, and recommit to the goals we have set from port modernisation and maritime security to aquaculture development and international maritime diplomacy.”

A significant highlight of the retreat was the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to each agency’s mandate, creating a performance-driven structure aimed at enhancing delivery across board. Oyetola pointed to key achievements so far, including the operationalisation of the National Single Window for trade, improvements in port efficiency, and the long-awaited disbursement process of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) as evidence of the ministry’s commitment to sectoral reform.

Read Also: Oyetola signs performance bonds with heads of NIMASA, NIWA, NSC, others

With Nigeria’s bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council underway, Oyetola urged agency leaders to double their efforts in projecting Nigeria’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to global maritime governance.

“Our ambition to secure a seat at the IMO Council is not just symbolic. It is a strategic goal that reflects our leadership aspiration in maritime affairs. Every agency must support this vision through excellence and global-standard operations,” he noted.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing that the retreat was convened to “diagnose institutional barriers and define actionable strategies” for sector-wide impact.

“The performance bonds we are signing today are instruments of accountability. They reflect our shared resolve to move from policy to execution, from plans to tangible outcomes,” Oloruntola stated.

As the country eyes an expanded maritime footprint, Tuesday’s development, according to industry stakeholders, marks a clear shift toward performance-based governance in the sector, signalling that the era of business-as-usual is over.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has signed the performance bond with heads of agencies under the supervision of the ministry as part of measures to ensure 

 full implementation of the Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

The bond was signed in Abuja on Tuesday at a two-day sectoral retreat for top management staff of the ministry and its agencies.

Speaking at the event, the minister who stated that the bond was a reflection of the ministry’s collective commitment to accountability, results, and service excellence, reaffirmed his commitment to the full and accelerated implementation of the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

He tasked the top management staff of the ministry and its agencies to recommit themselves to effective leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and measurable performance outcomes.

Oyetola revealed that the marine and blue economy has been placed at the forefront of the federal government’s economic growth agenda under the Renewed Hope framework, adding that it is incumbent on the ministry’s leadership to drive the vision with urgency and discipline. 

He described the retreat as a defining moment for reflection, realignment, and purposeful engagement, adding that it was a crucial opportunity to evaluate the sector’s direction and to reposition it for impactful delivery in line with national expectations.

On the essence of the bond signed, Oyetola said: “The signing of performance bonds must reflect practical, measurable commitments. I expect each agency to define and pursue realistic targets in areas such as Increasing the Marine and Blue Economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP within a defined timeframe and creating new jobs across core sub-sectors in the next 12–24 months.

“Enhancing throughput across our ports and terminals, improving the compliance environment, and boosting revenue from maritime activities should be the focus.”

Read Also: Oyetola moves to scrap cabotage waivers for foreign ships

He added that the goals will be tracked and reviewed. 

“Monitoring mechanisms must be institutionalised to assess progress quarterly, and reporting structures must be strengthened for transparency and accountability.”

Highlighting his expectations following the bond signed, the Minister said: “We must eliminate duplication, align priorities, and work as a single ecosystem and adopt technology and data-driven management from port operations to fisheries monitoring.”

The minister also highlighted recent milestones, including ongoing efforts to modernise port infrastructure, implementation of the national single window platform, improvements in port efficiency, enhanced maritime security, progress in aquaculture and fisheries, and the commencement of the long-anticipated disbursement process of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). 

He added that the recent approval of the national policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council is a foundational achievement that sets the strategic framework for long-term sectoral transformation.

Oyetola also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, describing it as a strategic national objective. 

He stressed that the Ministry would continue to lead on diplomatic engagement and international outreach, but that every agency must play its part in showcasing Nigeria’s readiness to continue to lead and contribute meaningfully to global maritime affairs.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, described the retreat as a critical platform for identifying and resolving the barriers to effective execution, strengthening inter-agency synergy, and defining the specific steps needed to position the Marine and Blue Economy as a major driver of national development in alignment with global trends.

He noted that the performance bonds signed by heads of agencies would be tied to clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

In a landmark decision aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s vast aquatic resources, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the country’s first-ever National Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

The policy, endorsed on Monday, May 5, 2025, according to a statement by the Media and Communications Adviser to the Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, sets a comprehensive ten-year roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s underutilized marine and coastal assets into sustainable drivers of economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the approval as a “defining moment” for Nigeria’s future, noting that the policy represents a strategic and visionary shift in the country’s approach to its oceans, seas, rivers, and inland waterways.

He said: “The Federal Executive Council’s endorsement of this visionary policy signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s engagement with its marine and aquatic resources. It is not just a policy document; it is a bold declaration of intent.”

The policy, Oyetola noted, provides not only direction but also a long-term implementation plan that aligns environmental protection with inclusive economic growth. It is built to function as a dynamic, living document that can evolve with technological progress and the realities of global and local developments.

The development of the policy followed what the minister described as a “rigorous, inclusive process” involving extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

“This is not a top-down document. It is the outcome of patient dialogue, expert input, and stakeholder consensus. That is why we are confident in its impact.

“Nigeria’s marine geography spans 853 kilometres of coastline and a network of inland waterways, which have long been underexploited. With the new policy in place, the government intends to tap into sectors like maritime trade, aquaculture, blue tourism, and clean ocean energy to diversify the economy and boost employment.

“We now have a policy that speaks to our aspirations and gives us the tools to achieve them. From maritime trade and aquaculture to blue tourism and clean ocean energy, this policy presents clear pathways to national development,” Oyetola remarked.

Read Also: Oyetola flags off marine safety sensitisation initiative in Bayelsa

To ensure success, the policy includes actionable guidelines for both public institutions and private enterprises, along with a built-in monitoring and evaluation framework to track performance and ensure accountability throughout its lifespan.

The minister also spotlighted the role of private sector financing in turning the policy’s ambitions into measurable outcomes.

“Private sector investments are crucial for implementing the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy. We strongly encourage domestic businesses and international investors to direct investment into activities that help to grow the marine and blue economy in Nigeria,” Oyetola emphasised.

“Furthermore, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be vital in mobilising the technical expertise and financial capital needed to unlock the full potential of this sector.”

Significantly, the policy is also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which underscored job creation, climate resilience, and economic inclusivity.

“This policy reflects Mr President’s vision of a reimagined Nigeria, one that draws strength from its natural endowments while safeguarding the environment for future generations,” Oyetola stated.

Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment, Oyetola said the policy will be implemented with diligence, transparency, and national interest at its core, adding, “It is time to turn the tide. The ocean is not just a boundary, it is our future. And with this policy, we are ready to navigate that future with clarity, purpose, and unity.”

According to industry experts, the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy marks a historic shift in the country’s economic agenda, placing the ocean at the heart of the nation’s sustainable development plan; one wave at a time.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Friday led the official distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transport users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The distribution is part of a nationwide initiative by the federal government to tackle recurring boat mishaps and ensure the safety of coastal and riverine communities.

Oyetola emphasised the critical role that water transportation plays in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jacket distribution campaign as long overdue, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users; fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe.”

Highlighting Bayelsa’s vast network of rivers, creeks, and its strategic maritime position, the Minister said the state was a natural priority in the campaign. 

He commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda and for the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs, boosting investments, and accelerating development in the Niger Delta. The Federal Government remains fully committed to its realization.”

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety cannot be compromised. 

“They are not for decoration; they are for your protection, and safety is everyone’s responsibility.” 

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who spoke during a visit of the minister to the government house, commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential. 

Read Also: Oyetola vows better welfare, security for maritime workers

He also lauded Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the life jacket distribution was approved by the Minister as part of urgent relief measures to curb incidents on the nation’s waterways. 

He echoed the Minister’s call for consistent use of safety gears on the waterways. 

The life jacket initiative is part of the Federal Government’s vision to grow the marine and blue economy, improve connectivity in underserved regions, and ensure that economic progress does not come at the expense of human lives.

In a bid to tackle the rising wave of boat accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday launched the nationwide distribution of life jackets, starting with Niger state.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Minna, marked the beginning of a phased rollout across 12 states, with each state to receive 3,500 life jackets. 

The minister said that the initiative is aimed at protecting waterway users and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility, adding that it has been identified that the absence and non-utilization of proper safety equipment is a major contributor to the high fatality rate on our waterways.

“This is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of our commitment to saving lives,” Oyetola said. “We must not allow our waterways, rich with economic potential, to become channels of tragedy. With this intervention, we are taking a vital step to prevent needless deaths.”

“This intervention was carefully designed following extensive consultations with stakeholders and is fully aligned with the broader vision of building a safe, resilient, and inclusive blue economy for Nigeria”, he said.

Oyetola noted that boat mishaps have surged in recent years, with many of them avoidable, citing human error, mechanical failures, poor training, overloading, and lack of safety gear as the top culprits. 

He emphasised that while some incidents may be due to natural forces, most are preventable with the right protocols in place adding that to address these challenges head-on, the federal government has not only launched this life jacket initiative but also introduced the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, a new code designed to enforce safety standards and attract investment by providing a structured regulatory environment.

“An analysis of inland waterway boat mishaps highlights a complex mix of factors requiring urgent action. Human error, such as careless navigation, poor training, and inattentiveness, remains the leading cause. Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance and faulty equipment also contribute heavily.

 “Adverse weather, vessel overloading, and night-time operations, made riskier by poor visibility and lack of navigational aids, further increase dangers.

“Operational hazards like collisions, fires, and groundings persist, while the absence of life jackets and the use of substandard safety equipment drive up fatality rates. 

“The Ministry has established a Special Committee on boat mishaps. This high-level Committee is mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of all recorded incidents, identify systemic and operational deficiencies, and propose transformative, far-reaching measures aimed at fundamentally eliminating accidents and enhancing safety standards across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Read Also: Oyetola, WACT-APM terminals win Maritime Industry Merit Awards

“We are going beyond palliatives. This is about creating lasting solutions and ensuring our marine and blue economy sector thrives safely and sustainably.”

He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the safety, welfare, and protection of every citizen, particularly those within vulnerable communities who depend on our waterways.

The Minister called on state governments, community leaders, and boat operators to support the deployment, utilization, and strict enforcement of the safety gears, stressing that compliance is not optional; it is a duty we owe to ourselves, to one another, and future generations.

Nigeria State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago appreciated the federal government for choosing Niger state for the flag off stating that the state experienced the highest number of boat mishaps in Nigeria last year.

The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honorable Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, assured the Minister of the state’s willingness to augment whatever the federal government is doing to ensure safety in the waterways.

“We will continue to synergize, collaborate and fill in the gaps. Whatever the federal government has provided that is not enough, we, as the State, will step in to fill in the gaps. We will also increase awareness.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola said that the Ministry is working hard to stem the spate of occurrences and proffer strategies that will yield immediate relief. 

“The Ministry and its Agencies have therefore resolved to focus in the immediate on a campaign to encourage and enforce strict adherence to the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, which prescribe the use of lifejackets. Notwithstanding that the obligation to provide lifejackets and ensure their use by all persons on board is that of the vessel owner/operator, the government has taken the initiative to provide these lifesaving kits.”

He stressed that safety across the nation’s waters is the first rule and remains a priority for the government, pointing out that this deserves the cooperation of all.