Oyetola: Blue Economy Up 90%, On Track to Outpace NNPC

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced a staggering 90% rise in revenue earned by Nigeria’s blue economy sector. He expressed confidence that, with continuing changes, the sector will overtake the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in income generation.

Speaking at the “My Harassment-Free Ship” 2025 Day of the Seafarers celebration in Port Harcourt, Oyetola emphasized the importance of port automation, modernization, and digital transformation as key drivers of this progress.

“In 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 stated.

NPA forecasts ₦1.27 trillion revenue by 2025.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) anticipates a 40% rise in revenue from ₦894.86 billion in 2024 to over ₦1.27 trillion by 2025, in line with the minister’s declaration. 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 in Nigerian ports.

Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, presented 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 2025 spending.

Maritime Labor E-Platform Launched
To improve transparency and labour governance, the federal government has launched the Maritime Labour E-Platform, a digital portal that will streamline maritime worker administration. The technology enables 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, pushing all stakeholders to adopt the system.

Promoting Seafarers’ Welfare and Safety.
Oyetola, speaking on the topic of the 2025 celebration, underlined the need of eliminating harassment and bullying in the marine sector. He underlined the ministry’s commitment to raising seafarer education to international standards and fully complying with the STCW Convention, including anti-harassment training.

He also applauded NIMASA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which established standards for fair compensation, reasonable working conditions, and conflict resolution for seafarers.

NIMASA Encourages Alignment with MLC 2006 Amendments
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, has 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 reforms address crucial problems such as recognising seafarers as key workers, improving safety, shore leave, and repatriation benefits. The revised rules are planned to go into force internationally by December 2027.

“These reforms represent a global agreement to safeguard seafarers and ensure fair treatment. “Our operators must quickly align to ensure compliance,” Mobereola stated.

With substantial progress in modernization, regulation, and human capital development, Nigeria’s blue economy is developing as a crucial source of national revenue. The government’s commitment to building a harassment-free, digitally enabled maritime industry is a solid foundation for long-term success.