The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the country has recorded zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters over the last three years. This feat was disclosed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Lagos themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.”
The minister attributed the accomplishment to the successful implementation of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project. He said the project has played a pivotal role in ensuring safety in Nigerian waters, garnering praise from global stakeholders and reinforcing investor confidence in the nation’s maritime domain.
“Through the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters for three consecutive years,” Oyetola announced, noting that this milestone has helped reposition the country as a secure maritime hub in Africa.
The Deep Blue Project, initiated under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was designed to tackle maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, and other threats to Nigeria’s coastal waters through a coordinated network of land, air, and sea surveillance assets.
Beyond security, Oyetola also announced that the federal government has concluded plans to revive critical fishing terminals and automate the licensing framework for aquaculture operations. He said this initiative is part of a larger strategy to boost Nigeria’s food security, generate employment, and enhance revenue in the marine economy sector.
“With the formal transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we are revamping the sector to become a cornerstone of food security and rural development,” he explained.
The minister further highlighted that the Federal Executive Council’s recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy marks a major step forward. The policy, according to Oyetola, is a holistic framework that integrates port infrastructure development, maritime security, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and climate change resilience.
“Our gathering today is not ceremonial—it is a working forum aimed at developing a strategic implementation roadmap for the policy. We are here to design actionable frameworks, prioritise execution, and assign institutional responsibilities,” he said.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandates and called for collaboration among stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society to ensure the success of the national policy.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Consultative Council, Bolaji Sunmola, lauded the blueprint as a transformative agenda capable of unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential.
“Local content must be enforced more vigorously. Indigenous participation in shipping, terminal operations, and marine services is essential for inclusive growth and long-term sustainability,” Sunmola added.
As Nigeria works to diversify its economy, the maritime sector under the blue economy strategy is increasingly seen as a key driver of inclusive development, job creation, and international trade competitiveness. Experts say the recent security record and revival efforts could unlock billions in foreign direct investment if sustained.
With the focus now shifting to implementation, Oyetola reiterated the need for a data-driven, transparent, and accountable approach. “The effective rollout of this policy must be cross-sectoral, collaborative, and data-driven. We are laying a foundation for future generations,” he concluded.