Connect with us

Headlines

Oyetola seeks support of stakeholders on validation of national policy on marine and blue economy for enhanced growth 

Funso OLOJO 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Gboyega Oyetola, has emphasized the need for collaboration with industry stakeholders to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the sector through validation of government national policy meant to address the challenges in the sector.
Oyetola was speaking on Tuesday, November, 26th in Lagos during his engagement with the industry stakeholders on the national policy on marine and blue economy which was the action plan of government to drive efficiency in the sector.
The policy, which is a comprehensive policy statement of government on the sector, was designed to identify the multi- facetted challenges which  have hobbled the growth of the industry with a viewing to proffering actionable solutions.
According to the minister, challenges such as illegal fishing, boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways, environmental degradation are some of the areas which the policy is meant to address with a view to finding solutions for efficiency in the sector.
“For Nigeria, with over 853 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and a vast exclusive economic zone, the marine environment holds unparalleled opportunities.
“These range from fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, tourism, and renewable energy.
“However, these opportunities come with challenges: unsustainable practices, environmental degradation, and illegal activities, such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“A robust National Policy will ensure that we address these issues through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations.
“This validation workshop is a milestone in our efforts to elevate Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“It is a product of diligent and inclusive policymaking that underscores our Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and precision.
“The Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy has painstakingly developed strategies to guide the sustainable use of our marine resources.
“These efforts, supported by partnerships with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources        (AU-IBAR) and other stakeholders, include the finalization of policies on fisheries and aquaculture in collaboration with WorldFish.
“These critical contributions are vital inputs into the National Policy on Marine & Blue Economy.
“It is worth noting that Nigeria has achieved notable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols and conventions.
“These measures have strengthened our safety and security framework, resulting in a remarkable three-year period of zero incidence of piracy in our waters.
 “Nonetheless, the recurring spate of boat mishaps underscores the pressing need for immediate action.
“This policy seeks to implement comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of all waterways.
“However, challenges such as the spate of boat mishaps demand urgent attention, and this policy aims to establish comprehensive measures to enhance safety across our waterways.
“As we develop this policy, the Ministry remains committed to repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the marine and blue economy both regionally and globally.
“We are also pursuing Nigeria’s candidacy for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance.
“Additionally, we are actively seeking private sector investment for port modernization, which is critical for boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness and attracting sustainable funding for the sector.
“These efforts are integral to ensuring that our policies translate into tangible progress and measurable outcomes”
Oyetola however sought the support and commitment of critical stakeholders in terms of their quality inputs and constructive critique of the draft policy with a viewing to validating the document.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the efforts that have brought us to this stage. The initial consultations and technical drafting processes have produced a draft policy that is both inclusive and forward-looking.
 “This validation workshop represents the culmination of those efforts.
“Our goal today and in the coming days is to critically evaluate the policy, ensuring that it addresses the needs of all stakeholders, incorporates global standards, and positions Nigeria as a regional leader in the blue economy.
“As we deliberate, let us embrace open and constructive dialogue.
“Your insights and expertise are vital for shaping a national policy that addresses critical issues such as safety, security, and sustainability in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy”
“Your participation is invaluable, and I urge you to contribute actively to this discourse” he noted.
The two- day validation workshop brought together critical stakeholders, technocrats, experts on marine and blue economy and heads of government agencies and Directors of the ministry who are expected to brainstorm on the 57- page draft document with a viewing to enhancing service delivery in the sector and enhance its growth.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations  

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.
The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support  Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.
He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.
Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.
“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.
Continue Reading

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence,  brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

 As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.
It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.
 He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Continue Reading

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
Continue Reading

Trending