Oyetola calls for implementation of new National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy
…Signs performance bonds with heads of NIMASA, NIWA, NSC, others
…Urges maritime agencies to avoid task duplication, strengthen collaboration
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the immediate rollout and acceleration of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Reaffirming his commitment to driving sustainable growth within the sector, Oyetola called on the senior leadership of the ministry and its affiliated agencies to renew their dedication to accountable leadership, inter-agency synergy, and outcomes that can be measured and tracked.
The minister, who formally signed performance bonds with agencies under his supervision, noted that the marine and blue economy sector now plays a central role in the Federal Government’s broader economic strategy under the Renewed Hope agenda. He said it was the responsibility of the ministry’s leadership to bring that vision to life with urgency, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025 Sectoral Retreat for senior officials of the ministry and its agencies, Oyetola described the gathering as a defining opportunity for reflection, alignment, and focused planning.
He said the retreat was not just an administrative tradition, but a crucial moment to assess the sector’s current trajectory and reposition it to meet national expectations through impactful service delivery.
While pointing to recent progress such as the ongoing upgrade of port infrastructure, rollout of the National Single Window platform, and overall improvements in port efficiency, Oyetola described the FEC’s recent approval of the national marine policy as a landmark achievement. He noted that the policy establishes a long-term strategic foundation for transforming the sector in meaningful ways.
“With implementation now at the forefront, leadership across the ministry and its agencies must thoroughly absorb the policy’s core priorities and translate them into concrete, actionable programmes,” he said.
He stressed the need for disciplined and coordinated execution, driven by digital transformation, environmental responsibility, transparency, and institutional accountability.
He also cautioned that the performance bonds signed during the retreat must not be seen as mere formalities, but as firm commitments to deliver tangible, time-bound results. These, he said, should reflect in enhanced GDP contribution, increased job creation, improved port traffic, stricter regulatory compliance, and stronger revenue performance.
In his remarks at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, echoed the minister’s call for firm, strategic action.
He noted that the ministry stands at a critical point in realising the Renewed Hope Agenda, and praised the progress already made under Oyetola’s leadership. According to him, the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy represents a major milestone.
However, Oloruntola added that what matters now is the effective translation of that policy into measurable, real-world outcomes.
