Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for renewed commitment to ocean stewardship and the sustainable harnessing of maritime resources, as the nation joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Maritime Day in Lagos.
Speaking at the event held on Thursday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Oyetola described this year’s theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” as a reminder of the urgent need for global responsibility in protecting the ocean and unlocking its vast economic potential.
“The ocean, covering more than 70 percent of our planet, produces up to 80 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, sustains billions of livelihoods, and carries over 80 percent 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,” Oyetola said.
The Minister highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing modernization of port infrastructure, adoption of sustainable maritime policies, and enhanced regional frameworks for maritime security and trade facilitation.
He noted that the blue economy offered Nigeria opportunities for diversification beyond oil and gas, ranging from renewable ocean energy and marine biotechnology to sustainable aquaculture.
“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,” Oyetola stated.
The Minister also extended a call to the diplomatic community, stressing that maritime cooperation remained a natural platform for international diplomacy.
Oyetola urged Nigerians, industry players, and the global community to safeguard ocean resources for future generations. “On this World Maritime Day, let us all renew our pledge to protect the ocean and harness its promise wisely and responsibly. Our obligation is to safeguard it. Our opportunity is to transform it for the benefit of generations to come,” he concluded.
The celebration also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and the presentation of prizes to winners of essay competitions held for school pupils and university undergraduates.
World Maritime Day, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is observed annually to underscore the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and protection of the marine environment.