Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has presented the country’s Blue Economy Agenda at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to maritime development, sustainable ocean governance, and economic transformation through marine resources.
The minister participated in a high-level panel discussion on the blue economy during the summit, which brought together policymakers, investors, development experts, business leaders, and international stakeholders from across Africa and Europe. The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Bolaji Akinola.
According to Akinola, the minister delivered his presentation under the topic, “Blue Economy: Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation,” where he outlined Nigeria’s strategic plans for unlocking the economic potential of its maritime sector while ensuring sustainability and environmental protection.
The Africa Forward Summit, themed “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,” focused on strengthening collaboration between African countries and France in critical sectors including technology, infrastructure, energy, trade, investment, climate resilience, and maritime development.
Speaking during the panel session, Adegboyega Oyetola reportedly emphasized the importance of maritime sovereignty, sustainable exploitation of marine resources, and regional cooperation in advancing Africa’s economic future. He noted that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline, strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, and vast marine resources, possesses enormous potential to become a leading player in Africa’s blue economy space.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is implementing policies and reforms aimed at transforming the marine and blue economy sector into a major contributor to national development, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings. He explained that Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda seeks to maximize opportunities in shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, renewable ocean energy, seabed resources, and port infrastructure development.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s ports, improve maritime security, enhance inland waterways transportation, and attract greater private sector participation in marine-related investments. Observers at the summit said Nigeria’s presentation drew significant interest from participants, especially amid growing global attention on the economic opportunities associated with sustainable ocean resources and maritime trade.
Analysts note that the blue economy has increasingly become a key area of focus for many African governments seeking alternative sources of economic growth beyond traditional oil and mineral dependence. Experts estimate that Africa’s oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal resources possess immense untapped potential capable of supporting industrialization, trade expansion, food security, renewable energy development, and climate adaptation.
During his remarks, Adegboyega Oyetola stressed the need for African countries to strengthen partnerships, improve maritime governance, and invest in sustainable technologies capable of protecting marine ecosystems while promoting economic prosperity. He reportedly stated that sustainable valorisation of marine resources requires balancing economic exploitation with environmental responsibility to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
The summit also provided opportunities for bilateral discussions between government officials, investors, and development partners interested in expanding cooperation across the African continent. Participants explored ways to deepen Africa-France partnerships through innovation-driven initiatives, infrastructure financing, technological exchange, and collaborative investment frameworks.
The statement by Bolaji Akinola noted that Nigeria’s participation at the summit reflects the country’s growing determination to position the marine and blue economy sector as a central pillar of national economic diversification. Stakeholders in the maritime sector have consistently argued that Nigeria’s coastal and marine assets remain underutilized despite the country’s strategic maritime importance within West Africa.
Industry experts believe improved investment, stronger regulation, modern infrastructure, and enhanced regional cooperation could significantly expand Nigeria’s influence in global maritime trade and ocean-based industries. Economic analysts also say the country’s growing focus on the blue economy aligns with broader international conversations around climate resilience, sustainable development, and environmentally responsible economic planning.
For many participants at the summit, Nigeria’s presentation demonstrated increasing recognition among African governments that marine resources can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of transportation and oil exports, but as multidimensional economic assets capable of driving long-term growth. As discussions at the Africa Forward Summit continue, stakeholders are expected to intensify conversations around financing, innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships necessary for unlocking Africa’s vast blue economy potential.
For Nigeria, the presentation by Adegboyega Oyetola represents another step in the country’s efforts to project itself as a major maritime and investment destination within Africa’s rapidly evolving blue economy landscape.
