South-South Region Key To Nigeria’s Marine Blue Economy Growth – Oyetola
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the South-South region holds a central position in Nigeria’s drive to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Oyetola stated this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) led by its Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, according to a statement made available on Wednesday by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola in Abuja.
The Minister described the region as a vital component of Nigeria’s maritime future, given its long coastline, strategic seaports, and vast aquatic resources.
Dr. Oyetola stated that the Federal Government remains committed to advancing maritime infrastructure across the South-South to ensure the region contributes optimally to national economic growth.
He revealed that existing ports — Warri Port in Delta State, Rivers Port and Onne Port in Rivers State, and Calabar Port in Cross River State — will soon undergo modernisation and upgrade under the Federal Government’s Port Modernisation Programme.
According to him, plans are underway to dredge these ports to a minimum depth of 16 metres, enabling them to accommodate larger vessels and enhance competitiveness in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Deeper ports will attract bigger ships, reduce cargo handling costs, boost trade volumes, and lower the cost of doing business — ultimately generating more revenue for the country,” he said.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry is collaborating with state governments in the region to develop new deep seaports, including the Agge Deep Seaport (Bayelsa), Ibom Deep Seaport (Akwa Ibom), Bakassi Deep Seaport (Cross River), and Bonny Deep Seaport (Rivers). These projects, he noted, would position Nigeria as a regional maritime hub, enhancing logistics efficiency, industrial growth, and employment opportunities.
Beyond shipping and port development, Dr. Oyetola highlighted the region’s immense potential for marine tourism, urging South-South states to leverage the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to expand coastal tourism.
He said a well-developed marine tourism sector could drive sustainable income for coastal communities, create jobs for youth and women, and attract both local and international visitors.
He also pointed to the establishment of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (Akwa Ibom State), and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko (Delta State), as evidence of the Federal Government’s recognition of the region’s strategic role in maritime education and capacity building.
Dr. Oyetola further assured that the Ministry is intensifying efforts to bridge Nigeria’s fish production gap and reduce foreign exchange outflow on fish importation.
He said the South-South, being home to some of the country’s richest fishing grounds, will lead national efforts toward self-sufficiency in fish production and the promotion of aquaculture development.
The Minister called on Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President has approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy that provides a clear framework for sustainable exploitation of ocean and inland water resources, promoting investment, job creation, environmental conservation, and wealth generation.
Earlier, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, Managing Director of the SSDC, commended Dr. Oyetola for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector. She expressed the Commission’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in implementing blue economy projects across the region, noting that a vibrant blue economy would drive economic growth, strengthen regional integration, and improve livelihoods.
She also proposed the formation of a joint working team between the Ministry and the Commission to ensure effective coordination and delivery of blue economy programmes in the South-South. She was accompanied by three members of the SSDC Board — Engr. Chika Chinda, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, and Hon. Tabitha Salah.
