The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector is being strategically repositioned to become the country’s leading revenue source, replacing crude oil as the dominant contributor to national income.

Oyetola stated this on Friday at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos, during the official visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, Arsenio Domínguez.

Highlighting the vast opportunities in the sector, the Minister said: “Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. With this, the sector is being strategically repositioned to serve as Nigeria’s major revenue earner, replacing crude oil as the dominant source of national income. We are determined to harness its full potential as the primary driver of our economy.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking these opportunities through investments in infrastructure, manpower development, and international partnerships.

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The Minister, an alumnus of UNILAG, also urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous career and investment opportunities in the maritime industry.

According to him, the government’s vision for the blue economy requires a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and competitiveness.

“There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,” he said.

Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for their collaboration in maritime manpower development, particularly the establishment of a modern facility for the Institute of Maritime Studies.

He reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, with youth engagement and capacity-building positioned at the core of its long-term vision.

Oyetola added that the Federal Government was committed to developing a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation into a global maritime hub.

“The maritime sector holds immense opportunities for our youths in career growth, entrepreneurship, and international engagement. Our goal is to build a new generation of maritime professionals who will drive Nigeria’s transformation into a global maritime hub,” Oyetola said

At the University of Lagos, Domínguez inspected the Institute of Maritime Studies and interacted with students. Commending the institution, Oyetola praised UNILAG’s role in preparing young Nigerians for careers in the maritime industry.

He stressed that the government is repositioning the marine and blue economy sector as a major revenue source beyond oil.

He urged students to embrace excellence, innovation, and hard work, noting that the future of Nigeria’s economy depends on the strength of its human capital.

As part of the tour, Oyetola and Domínguez visited the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic research vessel, NNS Lana, stationed in Apapa. They were received by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gregory Oamen, and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain O.S. Giwa, who highlighted the vessel’s operations and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime domain awareness.

Commissioned in 2021, NNS Lana is a high-tech hydrographic vessel used for oceanographic and charting surveys in Nigerian and international waters. It enhances navigational safety, supports maritime research, and provides vital data for oil and gas exploration. Domínguez commended the Navy for investing in modern hydrographic capabilities, saying such assets strengthen maritime safety and international trade.

The IMO Secretary-General also visited two key facilities of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in Apapa the C4i Centre and the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

The C4i Centre, a core component of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project, integrates advanced command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence systems. It serves as a hub for maritime surveillance and rapid response, and has been instrumental in reducing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

The RMRCC oversees Nigeria’s search and rescue operations and works closely with regional and international partners to improve safety at sea. Over the years, it has successfully coordinated numerous rescue missions, saving lives and assets within Nigerian waters and beyond.

Impressed by the facilities, Domínguez praised Nigeria’s leadership in securing the Gulf of Guinea and strengthening maritime safety frameworks.

He noted that Nigeria’s investments in maritime security and rescue operations demonstrate a commitment that aligns with the IMO’s mission of safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.

Earlier, the IMO chief lauded Nigeria’s investments in manpower development, commending NIMASA for donating a new building to the UNILAG institute and supporting other capacity-building initiatives.

Domínguez’s visit, which concludes on Saturday, is expected to deepen Nigeria’s collaboration with the global maritime community and highlight its efforts in maritime security, research, and human capital development.

The IMO, a specialized UN agency established in 1948 and headquartered in London, regulates international shipping. Its mandate is to promote safe, secure, environmentally sustainable, and efficient shipping worldwide. Domínguez, who assumed office on January 1, 2024, is the organisation’s 10th Secretary-General, serving a four-year term (2024–2027).