The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,, has urged heads of agencies under his ministry to treat the signed performance bond not as symbolic gestures, but as serious commitments to deliver.

Oyetola, in a statement on Tuesday, stated this during the ongoing 2025 Sectoral Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in Abuja.

He added that the bond would help enhance the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product.

“Treat the performance bonds signed during the retreat not as symbolic gestures, but as serious commitments to deliver concrete, time-bound outcomes that enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP, expand job creation, increase port throughput, and improve regulatory compliance and revenue mobilisation,” he said.

The minister also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the full and accelerated implementation of the newly approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyetola called on the top management of the ministry and its agencies to recommit themselves to effective leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and measurable performance outcomes.

The former Osun State Governor described the gathering as a defining moment for reflection, realignment, and purposeful engagement.

He stressed that the retreat goes beyond administrative formality, representing a crucial opportunity to evaluate the sector’s direction and to reposition it for impactful delivery in line with national expectations.

Oyetola stressed that leadership across the ministry and its agencies must fully internalise the policy’s strategic priorities and translate them into actionable programmes.

The minister called for disciplined execution anchored on improved coordination, technology adoption, transparency, environmental stewardship, and institutional accountability.

Oyetola also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing bid for a Category C seat on the International Maritime Organization (Council, describing it as a strategic national objective.

He emphasised that the ministry would continue to lead on diplomatic engagement and international outreach, but that every agency must play its part in showcasing Nigeria’s readiness to continue to lead and contribute meaningfully to global maritime affairs.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, echoed the Minister’s call for decisive action.

He noted that the Ministry stands at a pivotal juncture in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.