The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday, disclosed that revenue from the nation’s maritime industry rose by 90 per cent in the last one year and has the propensity to increase above revenue from the sale of petroleum.

Speaking at the 2025 day of the Seafarers’ celebration, held in Port Harcourt Rivers State, titled, “My Harassment-Free Ship,” the minister said with automation, modernisation of the nation’s ports and the deployment of technology, the blue economy will surpass the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) revenue.

The minister revealed that the ministry is doing its best to unlock the potential for the growth of the Nigerian economy through job creation and environmental sustainability.

“I want to assure you, even right now, within a little time, we’ve increased our revenue by not less than 90 per cent. We’re just not making noise about it, but with automation, with the modernisation of the port, with the development of technology, we believe that the Blue Economy will surpass the NNPC revenue. 

“We’re doing our best to ensure that we’re able to unlock the potential of the options for the growth of the Nigerian economy, job creation and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Moreover, in a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a smarter, more transparent, and efficient maritime sector, the federal government has launched a Maritime Labour E-Platform to digitalise the governance of maritime labour.

Oyetola said the platform is not just a portal, but offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralised system for labour administration.

He said, “This E-Platform is a bold step towards digital governance, improved service delivery, and industry-wide innovation. The platform offers real-time data access, enhances regulatory compliance, and creates a centralised system for labour administration.

“I commend NIMASA for this forward-looking initiative, which aligns perfectly with our ministry’s vision of ease of doing business, global competitiveness, and human capital development in the blue economy.”

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, called on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to review their operational manuals to align with the amendments to the MLC 2006 code.

The MLC 2006 codes address issues affecting seafarers such as recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against shipboard violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave, repatriation, and updated medical and occupational safety standards.