The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged stronger collaboration with the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to accelerate the completion of strategic deep seaports, harness marine resources, and expand job opportunities across Nigeria’s coastal region.
Oyetola made the commitment in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, who led a delegation to the Ministry to discuss sustainable maritime growth and regional development.
Ms. Akpabio applauded the Minister’s “visionary leadership and ongoing reforms” in the maritime sector, describing them as transformative efforts that are “repositioning the marine and blue economy as a new driver of Nigeria’s GDP growth.”
According to her, the SSDC’s statutory mandate to coordinate and fast-track development in the South-South “aligns perfectly” with the Ministry’s vision of harnessing maritime assets for inclusive national growth.
“We see reforms in port operations, logistics, and maritime governance that are enhancing trade facilitation, transparency, and investor confidence,” Akpabio noted. “Our role is to ensure that these gains translate into tangible development across coastal communities.”
She described the South-South as Nigeria’s “natural maritime corridor,” endowed with vast fisheries, oil and gas infrastructure, inland waterways, and coastal tourism potential. The SSDC, she said, was ready to serve as the Ministry’s regional implementation partner for blue economy projects and policies.
Akpabio also advocated for the completion of key infrastructure such as the Ibom, Bonny, Bakassi, and Agge Deep Seaports, as well as the development of dry ports and inland container depots in strategic cities to decongest existing ports and stimulate trade.
Highlighting the need for capacity development, she emphasized technical and vocational training in shipbuilding, aquaculture, maritime logistics, and port management as tools to empower youths and boost employment.
“A strong blue economy in the South-South will create thousands of jobs, enhance non-oil exports, and stimulate local enterprise growth,” she added.
To strengthen coordination, the SSDC boss proposed the formation of a Joint Technical Working Group between the Ministry and the Commission to identify and implement practical blue economy projects “away from boardroom promises.” She also sought courtesy visits to agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), NIMASA, and the Department of Fisheries to deepen institutional collaboration.
Responding, Minister Oyetola commended the SSDC for its proactive engagement and commitment to regional growth, describing the South-South as central to the success of Nigeria’s blue economy vision.
“Your visit underscores the region’s readiness to take ownership of its maritime potential,” Oyetola said. “Institutions like the Maritime Academy, Oron, and the All States Maritime Academy, Warri, show that maritime excellence already thrives in the South-South.”
He, however, urged the Commission to maintain a clear operational focus in line with its statutory responsibilities to avoid duplication or conflict with federal agencies.
“Once the Commission’s role remains regional and well-defined, collaboration with the Ministry will be seamless and impactful,” the Minister assured.
Oyetola also lauded the SSDC management and board for being the first regional commission to pay a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that the government remained open to sustained partnership in port development, fisheries, training, and blue economy investment facilitation.
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