Nigeria will on Thursday, September 25, 2025, join the global maritime community in commemorating this year’s World Maritime Day, with events scheduled to hold in Lagos under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Themed *“Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,”* the celebration will spotlight the collective responsibility of citizens to protect and sustainably harness ocean resources for present and future generations. It will also highlight the immense opportunities the oceans present in terms of trade, livelihood, and environmental balance.
Ahead of the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, called for deeper collaboration between citizens and government in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain. “Harnessing the vast opportunities within our marine sector requires joint commitment and responsibility,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, underscored the crucial role of the ocean in regulating the climate, sustaining life, and enabling global trade. He, however, warned that human-induced pressures—including pollution, warming, acidification, and overfishing—were placing marine ecosystems under severe stress.
“While human activity has caused the damage, it also holds the key to restoring the ocean—presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for a healthier, safer future,” Dominguez noted, urging urgent global cooperation to mitigate threats and adopt sustainable practices.
The Nigerian edition of the World Maritime Day is expected to draw participation from key players in the maritime and blue economy sectors, offering a platform to reflect on the need for preservation and the economic opportunities tied to the oceans.
The event is part of the International Maritime Organization’s annual commemoration held by member states across the world.