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By Daniel Adaji
Nigeria and Denmark are strengthening bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, intensified efforts to attract Danish investment into the country’s expanding blue economy.
Oyetola made the push on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jens Ole Bach Hansen, describing Denmark as a “valued maritime partner” and underscoring Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration across the marine and blue economy value chain.
The minister said Nigeria is keen to unlock vast opportunities in ports development, shipping, inland waterways, fisheries and emerging green maritime solutions, assuring Danish investors of a stable and rewarding investment environment.
He pledged government support, noting that Nigeria offers “a favourable investment climate, strong institutional backing and promising returns” for foreign investors in the maritime sector.
Oyetola also expressed appreciation to Denmark for supporting Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in November 2025, saying the development has further enhanced Nigeria’s influence in global maritime affairs.
Highlighting existing Danish investments, the minister commended APM Terminals for its operations at the Apapa and Onne ports, describing the projects as strategic to the modernisation and efficiency of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
He briefed the Danish envoy on ongoing sector reforms, including the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, improved maritime security that has led to the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters and a significant reduction of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, port modernisation initiatives, revitalisation of inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture development, and marine biodiversity conservation.
According to Oyetola, the reforms are aimed at driving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs, improving trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
In his response, Ambassador Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its IMO Council election, describing it as recognition of the country’s growing leadership in maritime governance.
He noted that the position provides Nigeria with a strategic platform to influence global maritime policy and contribute to decisions on maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
Hansen disclosed that APM Terminals has invested about USD 1.2 billion in Nigerian ports and plans further expansion, adding that Denmark is willing to deepen cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in wind energy and green maritime technologies.