Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous shipping industry, stressing that the administration remains focused on repositioning local operators for global competitiveness.
Oyetola gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja when he received members of the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) 2025 Planning Committee, led by Sola Adewunmi, Chairman of the Committee and President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA). The delegation also included the Committee’s Secretary, Ms. Funmi Folorunso, and the Director of Government Relations, Mr. Tounbo Ogunwale.
The Minister commended the team for reviving the NIMAREX platform, describing it as a strategic forum for collaboration, investment promotion, and knowledge exchange in the maritime industry. He said the Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, build capacity, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian operators in the global shipping space.
“NIMAREX provides an important opportunity for stakeholders across the maritime value chain to engage, share ideas, and identify practical solutions to sectoral challenges. The Ministry is ready to support such efforts that align with our goal of developing a resilient blue economy,” Oyetola said.
Scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 17 to 19, 2025, NIMAREX 2025 aims to spotlight opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors, attract investment, and promote partnerships that will strengthen the nation’s shipping capacity.
Adewunmi, in his remarks, appreciated the Minister’s leadership and pledged that the committee would work closely with the Ministry to ensure a successful event. He emphasized that NIMAREX’s revival marks a renewed push to restore Nigeria’s maritime visibility on the global stage while empowering local shipowners and businesses to thrive.
The NIMAREX platform, once a major gathering for stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector, had been inactive for several years. Its revival signals renewed efforts to position the maritime industry as a critical driver of trade, investment, and economic diversification.
