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Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has restated its firm resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry, declaring that it will not back down on efforts to reposition local operators for global competitiveness.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) planning committee in his office in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Mr Sola Adewunmi, Chairman of the Committee and President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), also included Ms Funmi Folorunso, Secretary of the Committee, and Mr Tounbo Ogunwale, Director of Government Relations.
The visit was aimed at seeking the Ministry’s support for NIMAREX 2025, scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 17 to 19, 2025.
Oyetola commended the committee for reviving the once-dormant NIMAREX platform, describing the initiative as a crucial avenue for collaboration, investment promotion, and knowledge exchange within the maritime sector.
He stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to create an enabling environment for indigenous shipowners, tackle long-standing structural challenges, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Our commitment to indigenous shipping is total and irreversible. The Federal Government is working round the clock to put in place the right policies, funding mechanisms, and infrastructure that will enable Nigerian shipowners to compete favourably, not just locally but on the international stage. There is no going back on this commitment,” he said.
He noted that the goal is to see Nigerian-owned vessels flying the national flag and operating sustainably within the country’s coastal waters and beyond.
“We are determined to see Nigerian-owned vessels flying our national flag and operating sustainably within our coastal waters and beyond,” Oyetola added. “This will create jobs, retain value within our economy, and build a stronger maritime nation anchored on local capacity,” he stated.
The chairman of NISA, Sola Adewunmi stated that NIMAREX was revived after several years of inactivity to complement government efforts to attract foreign direct investment into the maritime and blue economy sectors.
“NIMAREX is back, and this time it is bigger, broader, and better aligned with national objectives,” Adewunmi said.
“We have the full support of key industry associations including NISA, the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping. Our goal is to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa,” he added.
Adewunmi noted that the Minister’s support has rekindled confidence among shipowners and investors alike, adding that the upcoming exhibition will strengthen collaboration between public and private stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the maritime industry.