Nigeria has taken a bold step toward unlocking the full potential of its marine and coastal resources as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the country’s first-ever National Marine and Blue Economy Policy.
Special adviser to the minister on media and communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola said the landmark approval marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s economic and environmental trajectory.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has expressed strong optimism that the policy will lay the foundation for sustainable prosperity for the country.
Describing the policy as a visionary framework for national development, Oyetola hailed the FEC’s decision as timely and transformative, stating that the new policy will serve as a strategic guide for the development of the marine and blue economy sector over the next 10 years, helping Nigeria harness the full value of its oceans, seas, rivers, and inland waterways.
According to the minister, the document provides not just policy direction, but a long-term implementation plan that aligns environmental protection with inclusive economic growth.
“This is a defining moment for our nation,” Oyetola said shortly after the policy’s approval. “The Federal Executive Council’s endorsement of this visionary policy signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s engagement with its marine and aquatic resources. It is not just a policy document — it is a bold declaration of intent.”
He emphasised that the policy is designed to function as a living document, adaptable over time and responsive to global advancements, domestic realities, and sectoral innovation.
Oyetola explained that the policy was developed through a rigorous, inclusive process involving multilevel consultations with critical stakeholders across the country and underscored the importance of that collaborative approach, noting that it lends both credibility and practicality to the final product.
“This is not a top-down document. It is the outcome of patient dialogue, expert input, and stakeholder consensus. That is why we are confident in its impact,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s coastal and marine assets — spanning 853 kilometers of coastline and extensive inland waterways — have remained largely underutilized for decades but with the new policy in place, the country now has a comprehensive blueprint to transform these resources into drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
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