FG Unveils Bold Blue Economy Expansion Plan at Africa Forward Summit in Kenya
Last update: May 12, 2026
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Nigeria is intensifying efforts to unlock the economic potential of its marine sector, as the Federal Government showcased ambitious blue economy reforms and maritime expansion plans at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has presented the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Agenda at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighting strategic reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading maritime hub in Africa.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola spoke during a high-level panel session themed “Blue Economy: Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorisation” at the summit, which focused on “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.”
Speaking at the event, the minister disclosed that the Federal Government had continued to implement deliberate policies to unlock the enormous potential within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector. He pointed to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023 as a major step toward achieving sustainable economic growth.
Oyetola also revealed that the ministry had developed Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to provide a strategic framework for the sector’s development. He added that agencies under the ministry generated a record N1.83 trillion in revenue in the 2025 fiscal year.
The minister further announced that the Federal Government had approved a comprehensive port modernisation programme designed to attract larger vessels, improve operational efficiency, and create more employment opportunities across the maritime industry.
According to him, the modernisation initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
CBI News reports that the summit brought together African leaders, investors, policymakers, and development partners to discuss innovation, economic growth, and stronger continental partnerships. The panel also featured Catherine Chabaud and other maritime stakeholders from across Africa.
The event was co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu participating alongside other African leaders.
The summit is widely regarded as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations, notably as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.
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