Nigeria is set to deepen its maritime security architecture, with plans to expand the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, widely known as the Deep Blue Project, as well as ramp up local fish production to curb imports, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has said.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the minister said a proposal had been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Deep Blue Project in order to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. He described the initiative as a game-changer, noting that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for more than four years due to the implementation of the globally-acclaimed Deep Blue Project.
“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 said the improved security has had far-reaching economic and social benefits, not only for Nigeria but across the Gulf of Guinea, once regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors.
“Safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and greater regional trade flows,” he said.
Minister Oyetola said the planned expansion would consolidate these gains, positioning Nigeria as a leader in maritime security in the West and Central African subregion while supporting broader economic growth tied to the blue economy.
On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said the ministry is prioritising the sector as a key driver of food security, job creation and export earnings. He disclosed that efforts were underway to reactivate fishing terminals nationwide and provide support for artisanal fish farmers.
“It is no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation,” he said, adding that the government is determined to end fish imports.
He pointed to a recent increase in local fish production from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025 — the first such rise in a decade — as evidence of progress, while stressing that more would be done to meet domestic demand and tap into export opportunities.
In a major boost for the sector, Dr. Oyetola revealed that the United States had approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device, a certification that enables Nigerian shrimp exports to access both U.S. and European markets.
He said the development “has unlocked significant foreign exchange earnings, improved the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry and created jobs along the value chain, from fishing and processing to logistics and export services.”
He assured the NESG of the ministry’s commitment to close collaboration with the private sector to drive reforms and investments across the marine and blue economy sector.
Earlier, NESG Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a robust National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a critical framework for unlocking the sector’s vast potential.
He noted that the policy provides a structured pathway for sustainable exploitation of marine resources, improved governance, environmental protection and increased private sector participation. According to him, effective implementation of the policy will boost GDP growth, create employment, enhance food security and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global blue economy.
Aduloju emphasised that the marine and blue economy sector is central to the Federal Government’s agenda of job creation and poverty reduction. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the ministry and pursuing bold economic reforms since taking office in May 2023.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, alongside directors and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, among other officials.
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.