Security & Safety
Nigeria Marks Three Years Without Piracy, Unveils Major Maritime Reforms – Oyetola
Nigeria has sustained three consecutive years without any reported piracy incidents in its territorial waters, a milestone credited to the Deep Blue Project, according to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola..
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement held Thursday in Lagos, Oyetola emphasized that maritime security remains a central pillar of the ministry’s mandate, adding that the nation’s progress in securing its territorial waters has attracted global commendation and contributed to regional maritime stability.
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s offer to host the African Union Combined Maritime Task Force in Lagos has received formal endorsement from the AU Peace and Security Council.
Commending the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the maritime sector, the Minister affirmed their alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is repositioning the sector for national economic growth.
“The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the recent approval of its national policy are landmark reforms,” he stated. The policy, he explained, spans a wide range of focus areas including port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.
Oyetola noted that the stakeholder engagement was a working session aimed at developing actionable frameworks, setting clear priorities, and assigning institutional responsibilities.
“We must enhance coordination, ensure accountability, and build capacity across all operational levels,” he emphasized.
Providing updates on recent developments, the Minister announced that a Nigeria-flagged vessel docked at Tincan Island Port on July 2 with 359 containers onboard, showcasing progress in local shipping capacity.
Since the ministry’s inception in 2023, Oyetola said significant progress has been made in collaboration with its agencies to deliver on key ministerial targets. He revealed that an evaluation by the Presidential Policy Office and CRDCU rated the ministry’s performance at 75 percent by the end of 2024.
He credited this success to the dedication of the ministry’s Delivery Task Teams and urged them to maintain excellence.
On infrastructure, Oyetola confirmed that contracts have been approved for the rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can ports, while procurement processes are ongoing for eastern ports. He added that digital solutions such as the Port Community System and E-Call-Up System would help curb delays and boost investor confidence.
The Minister also highlighted efforts to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity, including the revival of a National Carrier through a public-private partnership. He noted that NIMASA is preparing to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund through a transparent and accountable process.
“When operational, the fund will provide a significant boost to Nigerian shipping operators,” Oyetola assured.
He further noted progress in revenue generation, operational efficiency, leakage reduction, and the attraction of private capital across the sector.
On inland waterways, Oyetola praised the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for enforcing the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation and launching a nationwide water safety campaign. He said over 42,000 life jackets had been distributed, alongside the deployment of ferries and patrol boats, and the training of safety marshals—efforts that have contributed to a reduction in boat mishaps.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi called for deeper stakeholder commitment to the development of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Also speaking, Dr. Odunayo Ani, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, lauded the ministry for the launch of the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy. She described it as a clear commitment to ocean governance, economic diversification, job creation, and sustainability.
Ani emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in delivering the national blueprint and assured that women’s groups such as WISTA will continue to support the ministry through advocacy, training, and partnerships.
Former President of the Ship Owners Association, Chief Greg Ogbeifun, also commended the ministry’s achievements and called for greater private sector involvement.
Similarly, Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, General Secretary of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), applauded Oyetola for implementing policies that have removed operational bottlenecks and improved efficiency across the maritime sector.