The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has announced a major transformation within Nigeria's maritime and blue economy sector for the year 2025. This positive shift is credited to a series of comprehensive reforms spearheaded by the Minister, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola.
Key Reforms and Infrastructure Breakthroughs
In a statement released by the Minister's Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, it was confirmed that long-standing structural problems which had hindered the sector's potential have been systematically addressed. The most notable achievement highlighted was the effective clearance of the Apapa gridlock by early 2024. This logistical nightmare, which paralyzed the Lagos port corridor for more than two decades, was resolved through persistent policy coordination and operational improvements.
The result was a dramatic reduction in cargo dwell time and lower logistics costs, effectively restoring the efficiency of Lagos ports for both domestic and regional trade. Furthermore, the ministry secured approval in 2025 for Nigeria's first comprehensive port modernization program in over fifty years. This move signals an end to reliance on outdated infrastructure and aims to align Nigerian ports with international standards to attract larger vessels.
Strategic Wins on the Global and Regional Stage
The ministry also celebrated Nigeria's successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in 2025. This victory, achieved through a competitive election, ended a 14-year absence and restored the nation's influence in global maritime policy-making. It has strengthened Nigeria's leadership position across Africa and rebuilt international trust in its maritime governance framework.
On the development front, regulatory compliance certificates were issued for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port in Cross River State and the Ondo Deep Sea Port in Ondo State. This crucial step paves the way for accelerated investment and construction, which will expand national port capacity and bolster regional trade connections.
Unlocking Finance and Historic Funding
A significant institutional milestone was the establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) in 2025. This development resolved a 16-year stalemate that had limited access to crucial maritime financing. The bank is now positioned to provide long-term funding for shipping, port development, and related services across West and Central Africa.
Dr. Akinola also described the approval for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) as a historic turning point for the indigenous shipping industry. Together, these reforms have restored investor confidence, improved operational performance, and unlocked new opportunities in a sector that had experienced decades of stagnation, firmly establishing the blue economy as a pillar of national economic diversification.
