Nigeria Records Zero Piracy In 4 Years, Plans Deep Blue Expansion

Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters over the past four years, a milestone the federal government says underscores the success of its maritime security strategy and the effectiveness of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project.

Building on this achievement, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed plans to expand the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and consolidate recent gains.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Oyetola said a proposal has already been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the project, which he described as a game-changer for Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“The project, which integrates air, land and sea assets alongside advanced surveillance systems, has significantly improved maritime domain awareness and response capability, restoring confidence among international shipping lines and investors,” the minister said.

He noted that the improved security environment has delivered far-reaching economic and social benefits, not only for Nigeria but also across the Gulf of Guinea, previously regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.

According to him, safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and stronger regional trade flows.

Oyetola said the planned expansion of the Deep Blue Project would help sustain these outcomes and position Nigeria as a leader in maritime security within the West and Central African subregion, while supporting broader economic growth tied to the blue economy.

Beyond security, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts to boost fisheries and aquaculture as part of the government’s strategy to enhance food security, create jobs and reduce dependence on imports.

“It is no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation,” he said, stressing that the government is determined to reverse the trend.

He revealed that local fish production rose from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025 — the first increase in a decade — and added that further measures are being implemented to meet domestic demand and expand export capacity.

In a related development, Oyetola announced that the United States has approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device, a certification that allows Nigerian shrimp exports access to both U.S. and European markets.

He said the approval has opened up new opportunities for foreign exchange earnings, improved the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry and created jobs across the value chain, from fishing and processing to logistics and export services.

The minister also assured the NESG of the ministry’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the private sector to drive reforms and attract investment into the marine and blue economy.

Earlier, NESG Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a comprehensive National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a critical framework for unlocking the sector’s vast potential.

He noted that effective implementation of the policy would boost GDP growth, create employment, enhance food security and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global blue economy.

Aduloju also emphasised the importance of the sector to the Federal Government’s job creation and poverty reduction agenda, while praising ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy.

Founded in 1996, the NESG is Nigeria’s leading private sector-led think tank, providing a platform for public-private dialogue aimed at fostering a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy.