The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has outlined plans to elevate Nigeria’s maritime sector to global standards.

Highlighting the initiatives aimed at propelling Nigeria into the top ranks of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Oyetola said that under his leadership, the ministry had prioritised strategic reforms to enhance operational efficiency and attract investments.

He explained: “This includes the implementation of the National Single Window initiative and a Port Community System to automate port processes. “The measures are geared towards improving Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking and fostering a conducive environment for trade and investment.”

Oyetola, who said this at the BusinessDay Maritime Conference 2024 held in Lagos, noted that the industry had recorded significant progress in revenue generation, driven by innovative strategies to block revenue leakages and explore new sources within the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

He underscored the ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure as including the development of inland dry ports and modernisation projects at key ports across the country.

The minister highlighted the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in advancing port modernization, dredging activities, and deploying cutting-edge maritime technologies.

Also, he announced plans for the development of additional deep-sea ports on a PPP basis, aiming to further bolster Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. Oyetola extended his appreciation to BusinessDay Media Limited for hosting the prestigious Maritime Conference 2024.