Nigeria Woos Marine & Blue Economy Investors at London International Shipping Week 2025

London, UK – September 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a compelling call to international investors to explore the immense opportunities within the country’s marine and blue economy, positioning the sector as a strategic gateway to Africa’s economic transformation.

This appeal was made during the ongoing London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2025, one of the world’s foremost gatherings of maritime industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders.

Speaking at the Africa Maritime and Shipping Assembly, hosted at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized the nation’s commitment to creating a globally competitive maritime environment. The Minister was represented at the event by Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

A Vision for Long-Term Maritime Investment

Delivering a keynote address titled “Navigating Regulatory Seas: Steering Africa’s Maritime Governance Towards Seamless Trade,” Oyetola called on global investors to look beyond immediate returns and consider the strategic, long-term gains of partnering with Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s marine and blue economy holds unparalleled potential—not just for national development, but as a linchpin in Africa’s wider economic resurgence,” the Minister noted.

He outlined Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, supported by recent reforms in regulatory frameworks, port modernisation efforts, enhanced maritime security, and a growing push towards sustainable shipping practices.

Maritime Security as a Catalyst

A major highlight of Nigeria’s presentation was its notable progress in maritime security, particularly through the Deep Blue Project. The project, a comprehensive maritime security architecture developed in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, has significantly reduced piracy in Nigerian waters and contributed to a steep decline in maritime incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.

“The success of the Deep Blue Project is not just a win for Nigeria but a win for the region and global trade. Safer waters mean smoother commerce,” Mobereola said.

Regulatory Harmonisation and Continental Trade

In his remarks, the Minister also addressed the critical need for regulatory harmonisation across Africa’s maritime jurisdictions, cautioning that fragmented legal frameworks and non-tariff barriers continue to impede the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Achieving seamless trade requires a shared regulatory vision, one that facilitates cooperation, reduces friction, and supports integrated maritime infrastructure,” Oyetola said.

Nigeria’s IMO Council Aspirations

On the global maritime governance front, Nigeria used the high-level forum to seek backing for its bid to secure a seat in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. Oyetola stressed that Nigeria’s aspiration is not driven solely by national interest, but by a desire to represent and advance the collective interests of Africa and the developing world.

“We believe in a multilateral maritime system that is inclusive, responsive, and forward-looking. Nigeria is ready to play its part,” he added.

Unlocking the Blue Economy

With over 853 kilometres of coastline, a vast network of inland waterways, and some of the largest ports in West Africa, Nigeria’s blue economy is primed for investment in areas such as port infrastructure, shipbuilding, maritime logistics, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology.

Minister Oyetola reaffirmed the government’s resolve to make the sector a central pillar of national economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development.

Global Attention on Nigeria

As LISW 2025 continues to spotlight innovations and policy shifts shaping the future of global shipping, Nigeria’s active engagement is being closely watched by maritime stakeholders eager to tap into the continent’s next big investment frontier.

With bold reforms, strategic positioning, and a renewed commitment to international cooperation, Nigeria is sending a clear signal: its marine and blue economy is open for business—and ready to lead Africa’s maritime future.