FG committed to indigenous shipping growth – Oyetola
Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry, stating that there is no going back on efforts to reposition local operators for global competitiveness.
In a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the minister, Oyetola gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) 2025 planning committee in his office in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Sola Adewunmi, chairman of the committee and president of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), included Funmi Folorunso, secretary of the committee, and Tounbo Ogunwale, director of government relations. The team visited the minister to seek the ministry’s support for NIMAREX 2025.
Commending the committee for reviving the once-dormant NIMAREX platform, Oyetola described the initiative as a crucial avenue for collaboration, investment promotion, and knowledge exchange within the maritime sector.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking decisive steps to create a conducive operating environment for indigenous shipowners, address longstanding structural challenges, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Our commitment to indigenous shipping is total and irreversible. The federal government is working round the clock to put in place the right policies, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure that will enable Nigerian shipowners to compete favourably, not just locally but on the international stage. There is no going back on this commitment,” the minister said
He further noted that the government is determined to see Nigerian-owned vessels flying the national flag and operating sustainably within the country’s coastal waters and beyond.
“This will create jobs, retain value within our economy, and build a stronger maritime nation anchored on local capacity,” Oyetola said.
Earlier, Adewunmi said NIMAREX was revived after several years of inactivity to complement the government’s renewed push to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the maritime and blue economy sectors.
He explained that the 2025 edition would serve as a unifying platform for public and private stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth.
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“NIMAREX is back, and this time it is bigger, broader, and better aligned with national objectives. We have the full support of key industry associations including NISA, the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa,” he stated
Adewunmi commended President Tinubu for creating the ministry of marine and blue economy and lauded Oyetola for his visionary and inclusive leadership, which he said has rekindled confidence among shipowners and investors alike.
