Nigeria Targets Economic Payoffs From Deep Blue Projects, Fish Production
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
Nigeria is seeking to translate its sustained maritime security success into broader economic gains, with plans underway to expand the Deep Blue Project while scaling up domestic fish production to cut imports and boost exports.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this while addressing a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group,(NESG)in Abuja, according to a statement made available on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Dr.Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola said a proposal has been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, known as the Deep Blue Project, following years of piracy-free waters
The minister described the initiative as transformative, noting that Nigeria’s waters have recorded zero piracy incidents for more than four years.
“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,” he said.
He added that the improved security environment has delivered wide-ranging benefits beyond Nigeria, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Safer waters have led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and greater regional trade flows,” he said.
Oyetola explained that the planned expansion would help sustain momentum, strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional maritime security and support growth across the blue economy.
Alongside security, the minister outlined a renewed push in fisheries and aquaculture, describing the sector as central to food security, employment and foreign exchange earnings.
He said efforts are ongoing to revive fishing terminals and support artisanal fish farmers nationwide.
“It is no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation,” he said.
He pointed to recent improvements in output, with local fish production rising from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025 the first increase in a decade while emphasising the need to meet domestic demand and tap export markets.
In a further boost, Oyetola revealed that Nigeria has secured approval from the United States Government for its Turtle Excluder Device, enabling Nigerian shrimp exports to access 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.”
Earlier, NESG Chief Executive Officer, Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a key framework for harnessing the sector’s potential.
He said the policy would provide structure for sustainable resource management, improved governance and increased private sector participation, with strong potential to drive growth, create jobs and enhance food security.
