By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has disclosed plans to expand the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, known as the Deep Blue Project, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and boost Nigeria’s blue economy, while also increasing local fish production to reduce and eventually eliminate fish imports.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Oyetola said a proposal had already been submitted to the Federal Government to upgrade the Deep Blue Project in order to further improve security across Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (left) and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, when the NESG leadership visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
He described the project as a major success story, stressing that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for over four years due to the implementation of the globally recognised security initiative.
According to the minister, the Deep Blue Project combines air, land and sea assets with advanced surveillance systems to improve maritime domain awareness and strengthen response capabilities.
He noted that the initiative had restored confidence among international shipping lines and investors, while significantly improving safety across one of the world’s once most dangerous maritime corridors.
“The improved security has led to increased shipping traffic, reduced insurance premiums, enhanced port activity and stronger regional trade flows,” Oyetola said.
He added that the planned expansion of the project would consolidate these gains and position Nigeria as a leading force in maritime security across West and Central Africa.
Speaking on fisheries and aquaculture, the minister said the ministry was prioritising the sector as a key driver of food security, employment generation and export earnings.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, when the NESG leadership visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
He revealed that the government was working to reactivate fishing terminals nationwide and provide greater support for artisanal fish farmers to improve domestic fish supply.
“It is no longer acceptable that Nigeria continues to spend huge foreign exchange on fish importation. We are determined to end fish imports,” he said.
Oyetola disclosed that local fish production increased from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, marking the first rise in over a decade.
He described the development as a strong indication of progress but stressed that more efforts would be made to meet domestic demand and fully tap into export opportunities.
In a major boost to the seafood export market, the minister also announced that the United States had approved Nigeria’s Turtle Excluder Device certification, enabling Nigerian shrimp exports to gain access to both U.S. and European markets.
He said the approval would significantly improve foreign exchange earnings, strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s seafood industry and create jobs across the value chain, including fishing, processing, logistics and export services.
Oyetola assured the NESG of the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to drive reforms and attract investments into the marine and blue economy sector.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, commended the ministry for developing a robust National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
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He described the policy as a critical framework for unlocking the vast potential of the sector through sustainable resource management, stronger governance, environmental protection and increased private sector participation.
According to him, effective implementation of the policy would boost GDP growth, create jobs, improve food security and position Nigeria as a strong player in the global blue economy.
Aduloju also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the ministry and pursuing major economic reforms since assuming office in May 2023.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, directors, and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Professor Busayo Fakinlede, among other officials.
