The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on governors and leaders of the Southwest region to leverage the opportunities presented by the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to develop marine tourism, coastal infrastructure, and blue economy ventures that can transform the region’s economic landscape.
Oyetola made the call while addressing participants at the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
In a statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Oyetola described the ongoing coastal highway project as a transformative national infrastructure capable of redefining economic and social connectivity across Nigeria’s coastline.
“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is an economic artery that connects opportunity, innovation, and prosperity,” Oyetola said in his paper titled ‘The Impact of Marine and Blue Economy on Nigeria’s Development: Focus on the Southwest Region.’
“I therefore charge leaders across the Southwest to complement this visionary project by developing tourism infrastructure, coastal resorts, and cultural heritage attractions that will enable our communities to fully harness the economic benefits of this new coastal artery.”
The minister noted that the highway will serve as a catalyst for tourism, hospitality, and small business growth, linking Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and other coastal states in a new era of trade, investment, and enterprise development.
He added that the Southwest stands to gain immensely through job creation, increased private investment, and the promotion of cultural and natural heritage assets that can drive sustainable growth.
Oyetola further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” in expanding Nigeria’s continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres, extending the country’s maritime boundary by approximately 20 nautical miles in some areas.
He said this expansion strengthens Nigeria’s sovereign rights over vast new seabed areas and opens up huge opportunities in offshore investment, deep-sea exploration, marine research, and renewable ocean energy.
According to him, the development will attract private sector participation in marine logistics, shipbuilding, and blue biotechnology, contributing to the long-term prosperity of the region and the nation.
The minister also urged closer collaboration between the Federal Government and Southwest states to consolidate gains in port modernisation, maritime security, fisheries, and non-oil export development.
Oyetola appealed to coastal state governments to enhance safety on inland waterways by phasing out wooden boats and enforcing the mandatory use of life jackets for all passengers and operators.
He maintained that the transition to fibre-reinforced boats will improve passenger safety, promote environmental sustainability, and empower local artisans through indigenous boat-building initiatives.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to making the blue economy a central pillar of national development, Oyetola said the marine sector offers limitless potential for inclusive growth if properly harnessed.
“This is our moment to build a vibrant blue economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of our coastal communities,” he said. “If we harness it wisely, the sea will not divide us, it will unite and prosper us.”