The President of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, on Wednesday commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, for what he described as the Minister’s visionary leadership and transformative reforms that are repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Maiguwa gave the commendation when he led members of the executive committee of the alumni association on a courtesy visit to the Minister at his office in Abuja, where he applauded the Ministry’s policy direction and strategic interventions aimed at unlocking the enormous economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
He particularly praised Dr Oyetola for driving the development and adoption of Nigeria’s first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a landmark achievement that provides the country with a comprehensive strategic framework for the sustainable development, regulation and management of its vast marine resources.
According to him, the policy represents a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime history because it establishes a clear roadmap for investment, environmental sustainability, capacity development, innovation and inter-agency collaboration across the sector. He noted that the policy would provide certainty for investors, strengthen institutional coordination and position the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to national economic diversification, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
Maiguwa also commended the Minister for institutionalising regular engagement with stakeholders through the quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Summit, describing the initiative as a demonstration of inclusive leadership and transparent governance.
He said the regular engagements have created an effective platform for government, regulators, operators, investors, professional bodies, labour unions and other critical stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify emerging challenges and jointly develop practical solutions for advancing the sector.
The AMANO President further praised the Minister for his “firm commitment to preserving the integrity, professional identity and specialised mandate of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.”
According to Maiguwa, protecting the Academy’s specialised status would ensure that Nigeria continues to produce globally competitive maritime professionals who meet international certification requirements under the International Maritime Organisation conventions and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
“We are concerned about preserving professionalism and ensuring Nigeria maintains a steady supply of competent maritime manpower. Because our members work across the industry — locally and internationally — we understand the system deeply. That is why we are insisting that nothing should be allowed to undermine the Academy’s core mandate,” he said.
Maiguwa also informed the Minister that AMANO would host its Stakeholders’ Engagement and National Convention in November, bringing together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators, industry operators, development partners and alumni to deliberate on critical issues affecting the sector and chart a course for future growth.
He formally invited Oyetola to serve as Chairman of the occasion and deliver the keynote address, expressing confidence that his participation would enrich discussions on the future of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy and further strengthen collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
Responding, Dr. Oyetola expressed appreciation to the alumni association for the recognition and support, describing the commendation as an encouragement to sustain ongoing reforms across the marine and blue economy sector.
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to fully harness Nigeria’s vast maritime assets in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises economic diversification, job creation, infrastructure development, increased private sector investment and inclusive national prosperity.
He said the Ministry is implementing strategic reforms designed to improve the ease of doing business within the maritime sector, modernise critical infrastructure, strengthen regulatory efficiency, deepen local content participation and attract greater domestic and foreign investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and other blue economy value chains.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda provides a clear direction for unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy as a major driver of sustainable economic growth. Our responsibility is to ensure that the sector contributes meaningfully to national development by creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, improving efficiency across our maritime institutions and positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa,” the Minister said.
Dr Oyetola further assured that the Ministry would continue to implement policies and initiatives that strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and create a more enabling operating environment for Nigerian ship owners.
“We are committed to creating a level playing field where indigenous ship owners can thrive, expand their operations and participate more actively in both regional and international maritime trade. Our goal is to build a resilient maritime economy that empowers Nigerian businesses, creates employment, retains greater value within our economy and supports the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Minister added.
He assured the AMANO delegation that the Ministry would continue to work closely with stakeholders across the maritime industry, recognising that sustained consultation, collaboration and shared responsibility remain essential to achieving lasting reforms and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.