The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the promise of a thriving Blue Economy cannot be realised without a robust, efficient, and integrated logistics and transport system.
This is even as the Minister added that the government is working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption.
Speaking at a recent at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria Conference in Lagos, Oyetola stated explained that the present administration is committed to port modernisation and digitalisation.
Represented at the event by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Oyetola stressed that the government is determined to improve logistics performance and competitiveness in the marine and transport sector, making Nigeria a preferred destination for maritime trade and investment.
“The promise of a thriving Blue Economy cannot be realised without a robust, efficient, and integrated logistics and transport system. The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly by sea, land, and air is the lifeblood of commerce and the foundation of industrial growth. Our ports, shipping corridors, inland container depots, and intermodal connections form the arteries through which our Blue Economy will flourish,” Oyetola said.
He highlighted that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises that the Blue Economy represents the next frontier for economic diversification beyond oil.
The former Governor of Osun State maintained that the creation of the ministry was a collective commitment to reposition the vital sector as a key driver of national growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Oyetola added that the goal of the ministry is to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, one that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship and social equity.
“We must ensure that our coastal and riverine communities benefit from the emerging blue economy, that women and youth find meaningful employment within its value chains, and that our maritime and transport infrastructure is developed in harmony with global climate goals,” he explained.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains fully committed to partnering with CILT and all stakeholders to advance the ministry’s shared objectives.
Earlier, President and Chair of the Council of CILT, Mfon Usoro, said that in the past four years, CILT Nigeria has established strategic collaborative arrangements with critical stakeholders in the knowledge industry and deepened existing relationships.
“We executed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. Under this model, cadets of the academy will, upon graduation, hold both the institute’s professional qualifications and the applicable certificates from the maritime academy and be eligible to become chartered members of the institute immediately they attain the required number of years of industry experience,” she said.
Usoro also said that CILT established a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement, which was cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding.
“The aim is to embed logistics and supply-chain management principles into Nigeria’s public procurement cycle, from needs assessment to final delivery. CILT will design specialised training for procurement officers in the public sector under this partnership,” Usoro added.
She highlighted that CILT, Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Centre for Supply Chain, introduced regular Executive Masterclasses targeted exclusively at Chief Executive Officers and C-Suite executives.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is the world’s leading international professional body for all sectors of the Logistics and Transport industry. It was founded in 1919 in the United Kingdom and has a presence in over 100 countries. It is headquartered in the United Kingdom. The Nigerian branch of CILT was established in 1958, registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission in 1989, and attained a Territorial Status in 2014, with a presence in 13 states of the federation.
