The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended maritime workers across the country for their unwavering dedication to the nation’s economic growth, as Nigeria marked the 2025 International Workers’ Day on Thursday.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Oyetola lauded the contributions of seafarers, dockworkers, port administrators, and regulatory officers, describing them as the driving force behind Nigeria’s maritime operations and trade facilitation.
“Your efforts are the bedrock of our nation’s gateway to trade and economic prosperity,” the Minister stated, noting that the maritime sector remains a key pillar in the economic transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Oyetola emphasized that without the daily sacrifices of maritime professionals, the nation’s ports and inland waterways would not function optimally. He said their resilience and hard work continue to inspire national efforts to build a globally competitive maritime hub.
He assured that the Ministry remains committed to advancing worker-friendly policies and investments in infrastructure, technology, and training to improve productivity and working conditions.
“As we celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day, I wish to assure all maritime professionals that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy stands firmly with you. Together, we will build a modern, secure, and thriving maritime sector,” he said.
The Minister also called for continued collaboration among government agencies, labour unions, and private stakeholders to ensure a vibrant and future-ready maritime workforce.
International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated globally on May 1 to honour the contributions of workers and promote labour rights and economic progress.
The statement was signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Media and Communications Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.