The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, affirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to develop a modern, safe, and globally competitive maritime sector. Speaking at a Nigerian Chamber of Shipping breakfast meeting, Oyetola emphasized plans to replicate the successful Lekki Deep Seaport model across Nigeria’s maritime industry, highlighting its role in transformative growth.
Oyetola outlined a strategy centered on public-private partnerships and logistical efficiency, noting that the maritime sector is crucial not only for trade but also for industrial growth and job creation. He stated, “Our vision is to build a modern maritime sector that unlocks Nigeria’s economic potential,” underscoring the need for sustained investment and strong partnerships.
The Minister praised Lekki Deep Seaport’s capacity to handle 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units and its role in generating jobs. He also noted improvements in access roads that have alleviated logistical bottlenecks, enabling faster cargo movement and increased investor confidence.
To replicate the Lekki model, Oyetola mentioned ongoing modernization efforts at Apapa and Tincan Island Ports, as well as upgrades to Eastern Ports in Onne, Calabar, and Rivers. He stressed the importance of establishing a strong national shipping fleet and urged stakeholders to adopt and refine this successful model for Nigeria’s prosperity.
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