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The Minister for Marine and the Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has mentioned that achieving the potential of a flourishing Blue Economy requires a strong, effective, and interconnected logistics and transportation network.

This is despite the Minister stating that the government is collaborating with all relevant parties to establish a paperless, technology-focused port environment, which improves efficiency, shortens processing time, and combats corruption.

At the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria Conference held in Lagos, Oyetola mentioned that the current government is dedicated to upgrading and digitizing ports.

The event was attended by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who emphasized that the government is committed to enhancing logistics efficiency and competitiveness within the maritime and transportation industry, positioning Nigeria as a top choice for maritime trade and investment.

“The potential of a flourishing Blue Economy can’t be achieved without a strong, effective, and interconnected logistics and transportation system. The capability to move goods, individuals, and services smoothly across sea, land, and air is essential for trade and the basis for industrial development. Our ports, shipping routes, inland container terminals, and multi-modal links serve as the pathways through which our Blue Economy will thrive,” Oyetola stated.

He pointed out that the present administration under President Bola Tinubu acknowledges that the Blue Economy signifies the new area for economic expansion outside of oil.

The ex-Governor of Osun State asserted that the establishment of the ministry represented a shared dedication to repositioning the crucial sector as a major contributor to national development, creativity, and long-term viability.

Oyetola stated that the ministry’s objective is to attain sustainable and inclusive development, which maintains a balance between economic opportunities, environmental responsibility, and social fairness.

He stated, ‘We need to make sure that coastal and river communities gain from the growing blue economy, that women and young people secure valuable jobs within its supply chains, and that our maritime and transportation systems are built in line with worldwide climate objectives.’

He mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is still fully dedicated to collaborating with CILT and all relevant parties to promote the ministry’s common goals.

Previously, Mfon Usoro, President and Chair of the Council of CILT, mentioned that over the last four years, CILT Nigeria has formed strategic partnerships with key players in the knowledge sector and strengthened ongoing connections.

“We signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. According to this arrangement, graduates from the academy will possess both the institute’s professional credentials and the relevant certifications from the maritime academy, and they will be qualified to join the institute as chartered members once they meet the necessary years of industry experience,” she stated.

Usoro further mentioned that CILT formed a strategic collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement, which was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding.

“The objective is to integrate logistics and supply chain management concepts into Nigeria’s public procurement process, spanning from requirement analysis to ultimate delivery. CILT will develop tailored training programs for public sector procurement officers as part of this collaboration,” Usoro added.

She pointed out that CILT, Nigeria, together with the African Centre for Supply Chain, launched ongoing Executive Masterclasses designed specifically for Chief Executive Officers and top-level executives.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport serves as the premier global professional organization for all areas within the logistics and transportation sector. It was established in 1919 in the United Kingdom and operates in more than 100 countries. The institute is based in the United Kingdom. The Nigerian chapter of CILT was set up in 1958, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 1989, and received Territorial Status in 2014, with operations spanning 13 states across the country.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).