At the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola set out plans to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

The initiatives include expanded seafarer training, certification and onboard experience to meet international standards, partly through a sea-time training agreement between NLNG and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. The government is also boosting fisheries education and research, with practical training in aquaculture, fish processing, marine technology and sustainable fisheries for young people, women and fishing communities.

Oyetola said improved maritime security—including the lifting of US Coast Guard entry restrictions on vessels arriving from Nigerian ports—should cut shipping delays and costs and improve business competitiveness. Port plans include modernising Onne, Warri and Calabar, building on work at Apapa and Tin Can Island, and pursuing deep-seaport projects at Agge, Bakassi, Bonny, Gateway, Ibom and Ondo. The strategy aims to expand capacity and link ports to dry ports and production centres by road, rail and inland waterways, easing pressure on Lagos.

Fish production rose from about 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million in 2025. The government plans to build on this through responsible aquaculture, improved processing, cold-chain investment and better market access. At the event, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun also called for an end to attacks on seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.