By Seun Ibiyemi
The President of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, has commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, for what he described as visionary leadership and reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Maiguwa gave the commendation on Wednesday when he led members of the association’s executive committee on a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja, where he applauded the ministry’s policy direction and strategic interventions in the marine and blue economy sector.
He particularly praised Oyetola for spearheading the development and adoption of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a landmark achievement that provides a comprehensive framework for the sustainable development and management of the country’s marine resources.
According to him, the policy marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s maritime history by establishing a clear roadmap for investment, environmental sustainability, innovation, capacity development and inter-agency collaboration.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (centre), flanked (left to right) by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede; Public Relations Officer of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), Oamien Ailemen; AMANO Vice President, Koni Duniya; AMANO President, Emmanuel Maiguwa; AMANO Welfare Officer, Dimka Orit; and the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, during a courtesy visit by the AMANO executive members to the Minister at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Maiguwa said the policy would boost investor confidence, strengthen institutional coordination and position the marine and blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.
The AMANO president also lauded the minister for institutionalising the quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Summit, noting that the initiative reflects inclusive leadership and transparent governance.
He said the engagement platform had enabled government agencies, regulators, investors, professional bodies and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions for advancing the maritime sector.
Maiguwa further commended Oyetola for preserving the integrity and specialised mandate of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, stressing that the institution remains critical to producing globally competitive maritime professionals.
“We are concerned about preserving professionalism and ensuring Nigeria maintains a steady supply of competent maritime manpower. Because our members work across the industry — locally and internationally — we understand the system deeply.
That is why we are insisting that nothing should be allowed to undermine the Academy’s core mandate,” he said.
He also informed the minister that AMANO would host its Stakeholders’ Engagement and National Convention in November, bringing together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and industry operators to discuss key issues affecting the sector.
Maiguwa formally invited Oyetola to chair the event and deliver the keynote address.
Responding, Oyetola expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to sustain ongoing reforms across the marine and blue economy sector.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
READ ALSO:Oyetola celebrates SWDC MD, Charles Akinola at 70
He said the ministry was implementing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, modernising infrastructure, strengthening regulatory efficiency, promoting local content and attracting more investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture and coastal tourism.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda provides a clear direction for unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy as a major driver of sustainable economic growth.
Our responsibility is to ensure that the sector contributes meaningfully to national development by creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, improving efficiency across our maritime institutions and positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa,” Oyetola said.
The minister also assured indigenous ship owners of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that would allow them to expand operations and compete effectively in regional and international markets.
He added that the ministry would continue to engage stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of reforms across the sector.
