Maritime policy will boost industry growth – FG

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the National Maritime Policy that is before the Federal Executive Council would accelerate growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining.

He added that the policy would also create a sustainable economic growth path for the sector.

Oyetola stated this on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the panel discussion during the third Maritime Transportation Breakfast Meeting organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.

The event was themed, ‘Prospects for accelerated growth and other matters arising’.

Represented by the Director of Maritime Services of the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, Oyetola reiterated that the policy “would accelerate growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining.”

He further noted that the national marine and blue economy policy remained vital for developing Nigeria’s maritime sector and ensuring environmental sustainability.

The Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Mr. Daniel Odibe, commended the Federal and the Lagos State governments for developing coastal roads to improve port accessibility.

He emphasised that the road network is crucial for port efficiency and holds significant growth potential.

“We have infrastructure to scan 100 per cent of cargo, but we currently scan between 40 and 50 per cent of goods. We scan cargoes within 30 seconds of positioning. Lekki Deep Sea Port is the hub for local transshipment. In 2024, we began transhipping cargoes to Warri and are considering routes to Calabar and Onitsha to reduce road congestion,” Odibe explained.

With a 19-metre water draft, 16 metres of which are operational, Odibe said the port could accommodate larger vessels.

He also confirmed that the Lekki Deep Sea Port’s capacity had increased to 90 hectares and millions of twenty-foot equivalent units, with a faster vessel turnaround time.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Ilogu, urged the management of the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos State Waterways Authority to enhance infrastructure for industrial waterway cargo shipments.

Ilogu, who is also a former president of NMLA, suggested establishing barges for all coastal states to ease congestion at Lagos ports and reduce business costs.

Mr. Mike Igbokwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, praised the Federal Government’s use of public-private partnerships in driving maritime infrastructure and efficiency.

Igbokwe recommended expanding the use of barges to improve multimodal cargo connectivity and reduce costs across the country.

He also advocated reduction in the cost of goods by PPPs and improving rail transport to landlocked states for better dry port operations.

The President of NMLA, Mrs Funke Agbor, reaffirmed the commitment of the association to supporting legal, institutional, and policy frameworks for a thriving maritime industry.

Agbor highlighted the support of NMLA through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement for the sector’s sustainable development.

According to her, maritime transportation is central to global trade and economic integration, with Nigeria’s strategic location and coastline offering untapped growth potential.

She called for effective policy frameworks, “regulatory oversight, private sector involvement, and continued stakeholder engagement”.

The NMLA president explained that the breakfast series aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy sectors.