Maritime and Blue Economy / 15 Oct 2025

Oyetola seeks stronger private sector collaboration as ICTSI team visits Ministry

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Oyetola seeks stronger private sector collaboration as ICTSI team visits Ministry

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment designed to encourage private sector participation in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy agenda.

Minister Oyetola made the remarks in Abuja while receiving a high-level delegation from the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), led by the Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu. 

The delegation also included Mr. Hans Ole Madsen, Vice President, and other top executives.

The Minister emphasized that the visit underscores the importance of sustained collaboration with credible private investors to unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential and position the country as a leading hub for shipping and logistics in Africa.

“Our goal is to make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive by ensuring efficiency, transparency, and sustainability,” Oyetola said. “We will continue to work with credible private investors like ICTSI to unlock the immense potential of our blue economy.”

The meeting focused on the current operational developments at the Onne Multipurpose Terminal in Rivers State, exploring strategies for its expansion and efficiency enhancement. 

Oyetola specifically lauded ICTSI’s innovative approach to sustainable shipping, citing the successful June 2025 berthing of the Kota Oasis, the first LNG-powered container vessel to dock in West Africa.

Since beginning operations in 2021, the Onne Multipurpose Terminal has enhanced cargo throughput, reduced vessel turnaround time, and invested in modern infrastructure, including a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay and four Gottwald mobile harbour cranes.

Oyetola assured the delegation that the Ministry is prepared to provide the necessary policy support and regulatory framework to facilitate private sector growth, innovation, and sustainability. The ICTSI team, in turn, expressed readiness to deepen its partnership in line with the Federal Government’s vision.