Nigeria has taken a bold step toward unlocking the full potential of its marine and coastal resources as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, May 5, 2025, approved the country’s first ever National Marine and Blue Economy Policy.
The landmark approval marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s economic and environmental trajectory, and the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), 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. He stated that the new policy will serve as a strategic guide for the development of the marine and blue economy sector over the next ten 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.
In a statement dated 7th May 2025, signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Media and Communications Adviser to the Honourable Minister Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and made available your correspondent, the minister was quoted to have said, “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 emphasized 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. He underscored the importance of that collaborative approach, noting that it lends both credibility and practicality to the final product.
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