Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has claimed an astounding 90% rise in revenue earned by Nigeria’s blue economy. He expressed confidence that with continuing changes, the industry will surpass the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in income creation.
Speaking at the 2025 Day of the Seafarers celebration in Port Harcourt, titled “My Harassment-Free Ship,” Oyetola emphasized the importance of port automation, modernization, and digital transformation as key drivers of progress.
“Within a short period of time, we boosted our revenue by at least 90%. “We are confident that with continued modernization and technology adoption, the blue economy will eventually outperform the NNPC in terms of revenue generation,” the minister added.
NPA predicts ₦1.27 trillion revenue in 2025.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) expects a 40% rise in revenue to approximately ₦1.27 trillion in 2025, aligning with the minister’s remark. The NPA’s estimate is based on increased operational efficiency, full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine infrastructure, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology throughout Nigerian ports.
Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, provided the data during a budget defense session with the House Committee on Ports and Harbours, noting that capital projects will account for more than 70% of spending in 2025.
The maritime labor e-platform has been launched.
To improve transparency and labor governance, the federal government launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital portal designed to streamline maritime worker management. The technology provides real-time data access, encourages regulatory compliance, and centralizes workforce management.
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“This e-platform is a bold step toward digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation,” Oyetola said, asking all stakeholders to use it.
Advancing Seafarers’ Welfare and Safety
Addressing the 2025 celebration’s topic, Oyetola underlined the significance of reducing harassment and bullying in the marine sector. He underlined the ministry’s commitment to aligning seafarer education with international standards and fully adhering to the STCW Convention, including anti-harassment training.
He also applauded the new Collective Bargaining Agreement mediated by NIMASA, which establishes standards for fair compensation, excellent working conditions, and conflict resolution for seafarers.
NIMASA calls for alignment with MLC 2006 amendments.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, urged shipowners and crewing agencies to update their operations manuals in accordance with the recently approved changes to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.
The revisions address crucial concerns such as recognizing seafarers as key workers, improving safety, shore leave, and repatriation rights. The revised rules are planned to go into force internationally in December 2027.
“These reforms represent a global agreement to protect seafarers and ensure fair treatment. Mobereola emphasized that our operators must rapidly coordinate to assure compliance.
Nigeria’s blue economy is emerging as a major source of national revenue, thanks to tremendous progress in modernization, regulation, and human capital development. The government’s commitment to developing a harassment-free, digitally enabled maritime industry lays a solid platform for long-term success.
