The World Maritime Day (WMD) 2025 celebration in Lagos, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, called on Nigeria’s maritime community to embrace stewardship over exploitation. The remarks, aimed at ensuring sustainable utilisation of the nation’s vast marine resources, underscore a broader push for responsible governance, environmental protection, and inclusive growth within the blue economy.

Key Highlights from the Event

• Oyetola’s message: The ocean covers more than 70% of the planet, produces 50–80% of Earth’s oxygen, sustains billions with food and livelihoods, and carries over 80% of global trade. Yet it faces threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and neglect. His directive: act as stewards, not exploiters, by enforcing sustainable fishing practices, tackling marine pollution, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening maritime safety and security.
• Commitment to governance and modernisation: Oyetola reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s dedication to advancing marine governance, modernising port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation. He also praised the sector’s agencies and stakeholders for their steadfast contributions.
• Blue economy as a growth frontier: He framed the blue economy as a new frontier of innovation, prosperity, and inclusive growth, emphasizing that sustainable practices are foundational to unlocking its potential.

Voices from Key Agencies

• Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA:
  • Emphasised environmental stewardship, maritime safety, and security as core responsibilities.
  • Called for a just and equitable transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for Sub-Saharan Africa, Small Island Developing States, and Least Developed Countries, ensuring fairness and social justice.
  • Highlighted the Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan to address plastic pollution and the importance of implementing IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment.
  • Noted that the blue economy remains underfunded globally, with the World Bank indicating a financing gap for SDG 14 (Life below water) of about USD 150 billion annually. Encouraged private sector support to close funding gaps.
• Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):
  • Urged stronger commitments from all stakeholders to keep the ocean cleaner.
  • Stressed that making global port operations eco-friendlier and advancing the World Ports Sustainability Program are collective duties.
  • Acknowledged that sea transport is among the most environmentally friendly modes, but emphasised the obligation to protect the ocean for posterity.
• Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport:
  • Reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to policy leadership and legislative support for a sustainable marine and blue economy.
  • Pledged ongoing legal and oversight frameworks to enable sector growth and resilience.
• Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman of Integrated Oil:
  • Delivered a lead paper on “Nigerian Energy Transition: A pathway for economic diversification and sustainable ocean usage.”
  • Highlighted opportunities in renewable energy and natural gas and encouraged stakeholders to explore funding opportunities.

Takeaways for Stakeholders

• The emphasis on stewardship signals a shift toward accountable resource management, with strong alignment on sustainable fishing, pollution control, biodiversity protection, and safety.
• Public-private collaboration is framed as essential to filling the funding gap for SDG 14 and advancing blue economy initiatives.
• Nigeria’s maritime sector is positioning itself as a driver of innovation, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth through continuous governance reforms and regional/international partnerships.

World Maritime Day 2025 served as a platform for reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable ocean use and the long-term resilience of its maritime economy. By framing stewardship as a collective duty, the government and industry players aim to balance economic growth with environmental integrity, ensuring benefits for current and future generations.