The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime, logistics, and transport sectors through innovation and reforms.
Oyetola stated this while declaring open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria.”
Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Oyetola said the government was determined to transform maritime and logistics into engines of inclusive economic growth.
He described the Blue Economy as a transformative frontier for national development and job creation, explaining that it referred to the sustainable use of ocean and inland water resources for prosperity and employment.
Highlighting Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and vast waterways, Oyetola said efficient logistics and transport systems were key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly by sea, land, and air is the lifeblood of commerce and industrial growth,” he said.
Oyetola noted that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy reflected President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to diversify the economy and harness maritime opportunities.
He disclosed that several strategic initiatives had been launched, including the $1 billion port modernisation project in Lagos, with similar projects planned across other maritime gateways.
The minister also cited the success of the Deep Blue Project, which has ensured over three years of zero piracy incidents, restoring investor confidence and reducing business costs.
He unveiled a 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy designed to unify maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development policies while balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
In her remarks, Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro, President of CILT Nigeria, commended the minister’s leadership and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to professionalising logistics and transport management.
Usoro highlighted CILT Nigeria’s growth, noting a 240 per cent revenue increase between 2022 and 2025, and stronger collaborations with the Maritime Academy, BPP, and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics.
She said the annual CILT Conference had become a vital policy forum shaping Nigeria’s logistics and Blue Economy agenda, adding that Nigerian professionals were increasingly visible within the CILT International network.
The 2025 CILT Conference continues on Thursday, with delegates expected to deliberate on sustainability, green shipping, and supply chain innovation.
