Nigeria Pushes Blue Economy Expansion at Africa Forward Summit

Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, presented the nation’s strategic agenda for expanding its blue economy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, themed 'Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth,' was co-hosted by Presidents William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in attendance. During a high-level panel on maritime sovereignty and sustainable valorisation, Minister Oyetola highlighted deliberate government measures to unlock marine potential, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023. He noted significant milestones, such as the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and a record revenue generation of N1.83 trillion by ministry agencies in the 2025 fiscal year. Furthermore, Oyetola announced a comprehensive port modernization program approved by the Federal Government, aimed at attracting larger vessels, creating jobs, and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as the leading maritime hub for West and Central Africa. The event marked a new phase in Africa-France relations, being the first such summit hosted in an English-speaking African country, bringing together leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss economic growth and strategic partnerships.