The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has attributed the notable rise in local fish production to renewed investments, strengthened collaboration with coastal communities, and strategic reforms in aquaculture.
The Minister revealed these developments on Monday while officially opening the 2025 Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) in Lagos.
Represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, Oyetola highlighted that Nigeria’s fish output rose from 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024 to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025.
He explained that this growth reflects the combined impact of private investment, community engagement, and targeted policy reforms in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
“The surge in local fish production is a direct outcome of our renewed focus on the blue economy.
By empowering coastal communities and supporting sustainable aquaculture, we are not only boosting food security but also creating employment opportunities for our citizens,” Oyetola stated.
Nigerian Maritime Expo Drives Innovation and Collaboration
Speaking at the event, Oyetola emphasised that the 2025 Nigerian Maritime Expo serves as a platform for deepening innovation in shipping, maritime technology, port services, logistics, coastal tourism, and ocean energy.
“This Expo is an avenue for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase technological advances, and strengthen partnerships that will drive growth in the maritime sector,” he said.
He also underscored the significance of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which has guided the recent surge in maritime activities.
According to Oyetola, the policy provides a structured framework for reforms across shipping, offshore energy, coastal tourism, and maritime services, ensuring that Nigeria maximises the benefits of its vast marine resources.
The Minister further pointed to the fiscal performance of maritime agencies, reporting that they generated N1.39 trillion in 2024—double the previous year’s revenue.
This growth, he noted, stems from increased transparency, operational discipline, and adherence to regulatory standards across the sector.
Deep Blue Project and Safety Reforms
Oyetola announced the gazetting of Nigeria’s first Inland Water Safety Code in over four decades, a move designed to enhance maritime safety, improve charting, expand patrol operations, and coordinate rescue missions more effectively.
He also reaffirmed the success of the Deep Blue Project, noting that piracy has remained at zero for three consecutive years.
“Our commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain has attracted commendation from international stakeholders and reassures investors that Nigeria is a safe and viable market for maritime business,” he said.
Expert Insights from Kenya
In her lead paper presentation, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Adviser on the Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President of Kenya, highlighted the cross-sectoral impact of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy initiatives.
She emphasised that similar policies in Kenya affect more than 22 government ministries and advocated for the creation of inter-ministerial committees to ensure efficient operations.
Ambassador Karigithu also stressed the importance of sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture to maintain long-term sectoral growth.
Maritime Stakeholders Highlight Opportunities
The Chairman of the occasion and Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the Expo for demonstrating the potential of the shipping industry to generate employment for Nigeria’s youth.
He, however, expressed concern that local maritime operators are not fully participating in large-scale shipping operations, describing them as “feeding on crumbs” of a market with vast untapped potential.
Oba Ladoja pledged both financial and intellectual support to ensure the sustainability and growth of the NIMAREX platform, recalling its productive legacy and potential to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Sola Adewumi, Chairman of the 2025 NIMAREX Planning Committee, reiterated that the relaunch of the Expo signifies a renewed vision to unify public and private maritime stakeholders.
He highlighted that the government’s creation of a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under President Bola Tinubu demonstrates political will to support sectoral growth.
“NIMAREX remains the collective voice of Nigeria’s maritime sector, promoting collaboration, innovation, and investment that will enhance global competitiveness,” Adewumi said.
Honouring Nigeria’s Maritime Pioneers
A notable moment during the Expo was the posthumous award presentation to Nigeria’s first indigenous shipowner, the late Alhaji Wahab Folawiyo.
The award was received by Mohammed Folawiyo, Executive Director of Investments at the Folawiyo Group.
Funmi Folorunso, a consultant for NIMAREX 2025, recounted her early role in registering Folawiyo’s vessels as the first indigenous-owned ships in Nigeria, urging the Minister to continue efforts that encourage Nigerian ownership in domestic and international shipping.
NIMAREX: A Platform for Maritime Growth
Conceived in 2011, NIMAREX was designed to mirror major global maritime exhibitions, providing a platform to showcase Nigeria’s extensive maritime potential, inland waterways, seaports, and energy resources.
The Expo aims to position Nigeria as a logistics hub in West and Central Africa while attracting local and international investments in shipping, aquaculture, maritime technology, and coastal tourism.
With renewed investment, improved policy frameworks, and active stakeholder engagement, the 2025 Nigerian Maritime Expo highlights Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening its blue economy.
By fostering innovation, safeguarding maritime security, and promoting sustainable fisheries, the Expo underscores the nation’s goal of achieving global maritime competitiveness.
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