Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (left) and French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy Vision at Africa Forward Summit
By Sarah Kitka
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has projected Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Blue Economy — Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorization.”
L-R: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; former Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu
The summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, and development partners to deepen discussions on innovation, economic growth, and strategic partnerships across the continent. The panel session featured France’s Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other distinguished maritime stakeholders from across Africa.
The landmark summit, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, was held under the theme “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined other African leaders at the event, which has been widely described as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations, particularly as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
The Federal Government has continued to implement strategic measures aimed at unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy resources, including the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023. Since its establishment, the Ministry has recorded notable milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a strategic framework for sustainable sectoral growth.
Agencies under the Ministry also recorded a combined revenue generation of N1.83 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year. In addition, the Federal Government approved a comprehensive port modernisation and upgrade programme aimed at attracting larger vessels, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
