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By Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on Southwest state governments to create a marine tourism corridor that will maximise the economic benefits of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and stimulate new prosperity across the region.
Oyetola issued the charge while speaking at the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, recently.
In a statement on Monday, he said the multi-billion-dollar coastal highway, championed by President Bola Tinubu, is a transformative project expected to redefine social and economic connectivity along Nigeria’s shoreline.
“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is an economic artery that connects opportunity, innovation, and prosperity,” he said in a presentation titled ‘The Impact of Marine and Blue Economy on Nigeria’s Development: Focus on the Southwest Region.’
“I therefore charge leaders across the Southwest to complement this visionary project by developing tourism infrastructure, coastal resorts, and cultural heritage attractions that will enable our communities to fully harness the economic benefits of this new coastal artery,” he stated.
Oyetola stressed that the coastal highway will open up new corridors for leisure travel, hospitality, and small businesses from Lagos through Ogun and Ondo to the Eastern seaboard. He stated that the Southwest stands to gain immensely through job creation, increased private investment, and the promotion of the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
The minister also praised what he described as President Tinubu’s “visionary leadership” in expanding Nigeria’s continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres’ an achievement that extends the nation’s maritime territory by about 20 nautical miles in some areas.
He noted that the expansion strengthens Nigeria’s sovereign rights over large seabed territories with “immense economic, scientific, and environmental potential,” including offshore investment, deep-sea exploration, marine research and renewable ocean energy.
He added that the move would attract private sector participation in marine logistics, shipbuilding, and blue biotechnology, reinforcing long-term prosperity for coastal states.
Oyetola urged stronger cooperation between the Federal Government and Southwest states to drive improvements in port modernization, maritime security, fisheries, and non-oil export growth. He also called attention to the rising number of waterway accidents in the region and pushed for reforms.
He appealed to governments to phase out wooden boats and enforce the compulsory use of life jackets for passengers and operators. According to him, the transition to fibre-reinforced boats would enhance safety, protect the environment, and boost indigenous craftsmanship.
The minister expressed confidence that coordinated action and bold governance would position the Southwest as a model of maritime efficiency and sustainable innovation in Africa. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to make the blue economy a pillar of Nigeria’s development.
“This is our moment to build a vibrant blue economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of our coastal communities. If we harness it wisely, the sea will not divide us — it will unite and prosper us,” he said.