2025 World Maritime Day: Minister of Marine, Blue Economy Urges Maritime Stakeholders, Global Community to participate in Ocean Preservation
Bisi Akingbade
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Adegboyega Oyetola, CON today at the 2025 World Maritime Day called on both maritime stakeholders and the global communities to reflect on our shared duty to protect our maritime heritage, while also recognising the vast opportunities the sector offers for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development for the collective good of the global maritime community.
Oyetola made this noble call during the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He ssid "Nigeria, richly endowed with maritime resources, recognises the immense value of the ocean. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” is, therefore, both timely and compelling. It calls us to reflect on our shared duty to protect our maritime heritage, while also recognising the vast opportunities the sector offers for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.
"The ocean, covering more than 70 per cent of our planet, produces between 50 and 80 per cent of the Earth's oxygen; provides food and livelihoods for billions; and carries more than 80 per cent of global trade. Yet it is under mounting threat — from pollution, overfishing, climate change and neglect. The message is clear: we must be stewards, not exploiters. This requires us to enforce sustainable fishing practices, tackle marine pollution, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen maritime safety and security.
Oyetola further said that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, remain committed to advancing marine governance, modernising port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation.
"The blue economy represents a new frontier of innovation, prosperity and inclusive growth. From renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology to sustainable aquaculture, the opportunities are vast. Our vision is to harness these possibilities to make the sector a leading contributor to Nigeria’s economy, reducing our dependence on oil and gas, and driving diversification in line with national priorities. We are determined to realise this vision through consistent effort, bold reforms, and sustained collaboration.
He extended a special invitation to diplomatic community for international cooperation which he stated that "On this note, I extend a special invitation to members of the diplomatic community. The maritime sector is a natural platform for international cooperation, and diplomacy is its strongest anchor. As we confront the challenges of global maritime governance, your partnership will be essential. We look forward to working with you to advance both Nigeria’s interests and the collective good of the global maritime community.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria has made measurable strides at home and abroad. We have adopted policies that promote sustainable practices, invested in modern port facilities, and built stronger regional frameworks for security and trade. Internationally, we have been active participants in global maritime dialogues, contributing to the formulation of policies that ensure responsible and equitable use of the oceans.
Oyetola also said "It is in this spirit that Nigeria seeks a return to Category C of the IMO Council. Our country has long been a key player in the global maritime industry, and it is time to assume our rightful place in shaping the decisions that guide it. With the strong and broad support already expressed by IMO Member States across continents, we are optimistic of success in the forthcoming elections in London. Our return to the IMO Council will affirm not only Nigeria’s commitment to the maritime sector but also our recognised leadership within the international maritime community.
"On this World Maritime Day, let us all renew our pledge to protect the ocean and harness its promise wisely and responsibly. The ocean is our shared legacy. Our obligation is to safeguard it. Our opportunity is to transform it for the benefit of generations to come. Let us meet this challenge, as a nation and as a responsible partner in the international system, ready to play our full part in shaping the future of maritime governance.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho in his goodwill message said there is need for every maritime stakeholders to have a stronger commitment to make the ocean cleaner.
"Beyond fanfare, there is need for every stakeholder here to rise from this celebration with a stronger commitment to take actions that makes the ocean cleaner. Indeed, making global port operations eco-friendlier and actualizing the other noble objectives of the World Ports Sustainability Program rests heavily on our shoulders as maritime stakeholders.
"Although, it is good to know as studies have shown that sea transport is the most environmentally friendly of all the transport forms, it is much more important, to acknowledge that we owe posterity a duty, to not only continually formulate and implement policy that protect the ocean, but to maintain as individuals, and institutions a behavioral pattern that places the highest premium on protecting the ocean." He
