Stakeholders seek policies to boost Nigeria’s maritime industry

File photo: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola

Maritime stakeholders have called on the government to develop policies to boost the sector and produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers.

These formed the crux of a discussion over the weekend in Lagos during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day, themed ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to produce globally competitive Nigerian seafarers through expanded training, professional certification and practical onboard experience.

Oyetola described skilled manpower development as critical to Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.

“We are expanding seafarer training, certification and practical sea-time opportunities in line with international standards,” the minister said.

He highlighted the partnership between Nigeria LNG Limited and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, including a sea-time training memorandum of understanding aimed at helping cadets acquire the onboard experience required for professional certification.

“Together with wider seafarer training and placement initiatives, this is building a skilled Nigerian maritime workforce ready to compete globally,” he said.

Oyetola said the government was also strengthening fisheries colleges and research institutions to equip young Nigerians and women with practical skills in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries management.

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“Through improved training, research and industry partnerships, we are equipping young Nigerians, women and fishing communities with the skills to increase productivity, create enterprises and contribute to national food security,” he said.

Beyond manpower development, the minister said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to improve maritime security, following the lifting of longstanding United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry restrictions affecting vessels arriving from Nigerian ports.

Oyetola noted that the achievement has far-reaching economic implications because the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s international trade moves by sea.

“Reducing security-related burdens and delays will lower shipping and logistics costs, strengthen the competitiveness of our businesses and, as savings move through the supply chain, help reduce the cost of goods and services for Nigerians,” he said.

In fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola disclosed that fish production rose from approximately 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025. He said the government was building on the progress through responsible aquaculture, improved processing, cold-chain investment and better market access.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, Dr Pius Akutah, stressed that the theme for this year’s celebration calls for an assessment of the sector through the practical improvements that maritime policies bring to people, businesses and institutions.

“It challenges us to ensure that our collective efforts deliver safer shipping, more efficient ports, a healthier maritime environment and better conditions for those who work and sustain maritime trade. For Nigeria, this message is particularly relevant as we advance the development of the marine and blue economy. Our policies and reforms provide a foundation for growth,” Akutah said.