Emmanuel Daudu
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged leaders across Nigeria’s Southwest to harness the immense economic potential of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by developing a marine tourism corridor that integrates coastal infrastructure, resorts, and heritage attractions.
Speaking at the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit held in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Oyetola described the coastal highway as a transformative national project that will redefine trade, tourism, and connectivity across Nigeria’s coastline.
“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is an economic artery that connects opportunity, innovation, and prosperity,” the minister said in his presentation titled ‘The Impact of Marine and Blue Economy on Nigeria’s Development: Focus on the Southwest Region.’
He called on Southwest governors to complement the Federal Government’s infrastructure drive by investing in coastal tourism facilities, hospitality ventures, and marine-linked enterprises that can position the region as a global tourism hub.
According to him, the highway will open new economic corridors from Lagos through Ogun and Ondo to the eastern seaboard, catalysing job creation, SME growth, and regional trade expansion.
Oyetola also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” in securing the expansion of Nigeria’s continental shelf by 16,300 square kilometres, extending the nation’s maritime boundary by about 20 nautical miles in some areas. He described the achievement as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s maritime sovereignty,” with vast implications for offshore investment, deep-sea exploration, marine research, and renewable ocean energy.
He emphasised that the development of the blue economy presents the Southwest with opportunities for private sector participation in shipbuilding, marine logistics, fisheries, and non-oil exports, noting that such ventures could help diversify the economy and enhance regional prosperity.
In addressing safety on the waterways, Oyetola urged state governments to phase out wooden boats and enforce the mandatory use of life jackets, noting that the adoption of fibre-reinforced boats would enhance safety, sustainability, and local craftsmanship through indigenous boat-building initiatives.
“This is our moment to build a vibrant blue economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of our coastal communities,” he declared. “If we harness it wisely, the sea will not divide us it will unite and prosper us.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to making the blue economy a central pillar of national development, adding that collaboration between federal and state governments is crucial to achieving a modern, secure, and sustainable maritime future for Nigeria.
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