Integrated Logistics Key to Thriving Blue Economy — Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasised that integrated logistics systems remain essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in the blue economy sector. According to him, the nation’s maritime industry cannot achieve sustainable growth or global competitiveness without seamless coordination among ports, transport infrastructure, and logistics operations.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement session in Lagos, Oyetola said that the ministry is focused on building a holistic framework that connects all maritime value chains — from port operations to hinterland transportation — to enhance efficiency and profitability. He noted that integrated logistics would not only boost trade facilitation but also position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

“The blue economy is a key pillar of our national development agenda, but it cannot thrive in isolation. Integration across logistics, shipping, and port operations is crucial to achieving sustainable growth. We must ensure that every component of the maritime supply chain works together efficiently,” Oyetola stated.

He added that the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has developed a roadmap to promote inter-agency collaboration, digital transformation, and infrastructural development in the maritime sector. According to him, the plan would strengthen trade routes, reduce logistics bottlenecks, and create more investment opportunities for both local and foreign players.

Oyetola explained that the ministry’s ongoing reforms are aimed at addressing fragmentation within the maritime logistics chain, which has hindered optimal service delivery for decades. He pointed out that inefficiencies in cargo handling, inland transportation, and port connectivity have contributed to high operational costs and limited Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.

“To build a resilient blue economy, we must fix the inefficiencies in our logistics chain. Our ports, terminals, and transportation systems must function as one interconnected network. This will reduce turnaround time, attract investment, and create jobs,” the minister said.

He further disclosed that the government is working with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and other agencies to streamline regulatory procedures and promote multimodal transport integration. The move, he said, will improve cargo evacuation from ports and enhance the overall ease of doing business in the maritime industry.

“Integration is not just about infrastructure; it is also about collaboration, innovation, and data-driven operations. We are working with relevant agencies to develop a digital logistics ecosystem that ensures transparency and accountability across the maritime supply chain,” Oyetola noted.

The minister highlighted that the ministry’s long-term objective is to transform Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources into major contributors to national GDP through sustainable exploitation and value addition. He said that the blue economy, which covers sectors such as shipping, fisheries, tourism, and marine biotechnology, has the potential to generate millions of jobs and attract substantial foreign investment.

He also revealed plans to engage private investors in the development of deep seaports, logistics parks, and maritime industrial zones to enhance export capacity and regional trade connectivity. According to him, such partnerships would help modernise port infrastructure and expand Nigeria’s capacity to handle large-scale cargo operations.

“The private sector will play a critical role in driving our blue economy agenda. We are creating the right policies and investment incentives to encourage participation and innovation in logistics and marine transport,” Oyetola said.

Industry experts at the event echoed the minister’s views, noting that logistics integration is vital for sustainable maritime growth. The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria chapter, Barrister Mfon Usoro, stated that “a truly integrated logistics framework will not only enhance trade but also reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria’s ports.”

She added that the country’s blue economy strategy must include capacity building, improved infrastructure, and regulatory harmonisation to ensure long-term success.

Oyetola reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Nigeria a regional maritime powerhouse, stressing that the ministry’s policies are being aligned with global sustainability standards and the United Nations’ Blue Economy framework.

“We are laying a solid foundation for an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable blue economy. Integration remains the key — it is the bridge between our maritime aspirations and economic realities,” the minister concluded.

 

Stakeholders believe that with proper implementation of the integrated logistics framework, Nigeria can significantly expand its maritime revenues, reduce port congestion, and harness the untapped potential of its vast coastal resources to strengthen national economic growth.