Oyetola, Usoro chart new course for Maritime and Logistics Growth
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime, logistics, and transport sectors through innovation, policy reforms, and sustainable practices.
Oyetola, made the disclosure while declaring the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) with the "Theme Enhancing Logistics and Transport for Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria" held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The minister who was represented by the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Abubakar Dantsoho,
said the Federal Government was determined to transform Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sectors into globally competitive engines of inclusive economic growth.
Oyetola described the CILT Nigeria Conference as a “flagship platform for policy dialogue, professional exchange, and forward-thinking engagement” in logistics and transport.
He said this year’s theme was timely, reflecting the global recognition of the Blue Economy as a transformative frontier for development and job creation.
“The ability to move goods, people, and services seamlessly by sea, land, and air is the lifeblood of commerce and the foundation of industrial growth.
"The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the Blue Economy as the next frontier for diversification beyond oil.
"The creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy reflects a deliberate resolve to harness the sector’s potential for innovation and sustainability,"Oyetola said.
He stated that since the establishment of the ministry, several strategic initiatives had been launched, focusing on port modernization, digitalization, maritime safety, and inland waterways development.
Oyetola said that all the above mentioned strategies were efforts aimed to strengthen institutional capacity and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
Among these reforms, Oyetola announced the approval of a $1 billion port modernization project in Lagos ports adding that the initiative would enhance infrastructure, expand cargo handling capacity, and align Nigeria’s ports with global best practices.
“Similar modernization projects are being planned for ports outside Lagos to ensure balanced development across all maritime gateways.
"The reforms are designed to make Nigeria a preferred destination for maritime trade and investment,"he said.
He said this milestone has restored investor confidence and reduced the cost of doing business within the maritime domain.
He also unveiled a comprehensive 10-year National Blue Economy Strategy aimed at unifying maritime, fisheries, logistics, and coastal development policies.
The framework, according to him, will ensure that economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship and social equity.
Commending the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Oyetola lauded its leadership in promoting professionalism and ethical standards in logistics and transport management.
He urged members to champion smart and green transport technologies and embrace data-driven planning to boost efficiency and sustainability.
“Our goal is not growth for growth’s sake, but sustainable and inclusive growth that empowers our coastal communities, creates opportunities for women and youth, and preserves our environment for future generations,” Oyetola said.
In her welcome address, the President and Chair of Council of CILT Nigeria, Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro, FCILT, welcomed delegates and dignitaries, expressing pride in the institute’s evolution into one of Africa’s most vibrant professional bodies.
Usoro said that the CILT Nigeria Conference has become an influential platform that shapes policy direction for logistics, transport, and the Blue Economy.
Tracing the institute’s history, Usoro noted that CILT Nigeria, founded in 1958, has grown to operate in 13 states and is fully aligned with CILT International standards.
She commended the 2025 Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Professor Kayode Oyesiku, for curating a rich programme featuring expert presentations on sustainability, supply chain innovation, green shipping, block chain technology, and renewable energy integration in logistics.
Usoro also outlined CILT Nigeria’s partnerships with strategic institutions, including the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, and the African Centre for Supply Chain.
She the collaboration had deepened professional capacity and improved policy implementation in both public and private sectors.
Usoro highlighted the institute’s digital transformation, governance reforms, and financial accountability achievements.
She mentioned that under her leadership, CILT Nigeria’s revenue grew by over 240% between 2022 and 2025, driven by prudent fund management, transparent budgeting, and the introduction of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Usoro further expressed satisfaction with the increased visibility of Nigerian professionals within CILT International, noting that the country is now regarded as one of the most impactful delegations globally.
“Our members now occupy significant roles on international committees and speak at flagship global sessions,” she said.
As the conference continued till Thursday, delegates praised both Oyetola and Usoro for their visionary leadership with robust discussions expected to focus on sustainability, digitalization, and logistics reform.
The 2025 CILT conference was projected to set a new benchmark for advancing Nigeria’s transport and Blue Economy sectors toward a sustainable and globally competitive future
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