Pollution, Climate Change, Neglect Pose Risks To Ocean Sustainability – Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has identified pollution, overfishing, climate change and neglect as mounting threats to the sustainability of the Ocean.

Speaking at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration titled “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos, the Minister urged maritime stakeholders to enforce sustainable fishing practices, tackle marine pollution, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen maritime safety and security.”

According to him, while there is a need for everyone to be stewards, and not exploiters of the Oceans, there is a need to recognise the vast opportunities the sector offers for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.

“The Ocean, covering more than 70 per cent of our planet, produces between 50 and 80 per cent of the Earth’s oxygen; provides food and livelihoods for billions; and carries more than 80 per cent 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. This requires us to enforce sustainable fishing practices, tackle marine pollution, safeguard biodiversity, and strengthen maritime safety and security.”

Internationally, we have been active participants in global maritime dialogues, contributing to, the formulation of policies that ensure the responsible and equitable use of the oceans.

Oyetola, however, stated that the Ministry has been an active participant in global maritime dialogues, contributing to formulating policies that ensure the responsible and equitable use of the Oceans.

“Nigeria has made measurable strides at home and abroad. We have adopted policies that promote sustainable practices, invested in modern port facilities, and built stronger regional frameworks for security and trade. Internationally, we have been active participants in global maritime dialogues, contributing to the formulation of policies that ensure responsible and equitable use of the oceans.”

“At the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we remain committed to advancing marine governance, modernising port infrastructure, and deepening regional and international partnerships for ocean preservation,” he stated.