The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a committee to organise the Nigeria Marine and Blue Economy Expo (NIMBEX), as the Federal Government seeks to attract investment, create jobs and unlock the economic potential of the maritime sector.
Oyetola said the expo would position Nigeria as a leading destination for maritime investment, innovation and trade in Africa by bringing together policymakers, international investors, industry leaders and technology innovators.
Represented at the inauguration by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, the minister said NIMBEX would help translate Nigeria’s maritime resources into concrete investment opportunities, economic growth and employment.
“Nigeria’s marine and blue economy holds enormous potential to drive economic diversification, attract investment and create sustainable employment. NIMBEX will provide a strategic platform to bring together the capital, expertise and partnerships needed to unlock these opportunities,” he said.
He added that the expo would bridge the gap between the country’s extensive maritime resources and the investment required to harness them for national development.
Nigeria has an 853-kilometre coastline and more than 10,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways across 28 states, assets that could strengthen its position in regional and international maritime trade.
The organising committee is chaired by Mr Husseini Shettima, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology in the ministry. Hajia Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, and Professor Busayo Fakinlede, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Marine and Blue Economy, will serve as co-chairpersons.
The minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, is a member of the committee and will serve as the expo’s Chief Operating Officer.
Other members include representatives of the ministry’s technical departments and key maritime agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
The committee also includes representatives of maritime training and research institutions, coastal states, terminal operators, shipowners, freight forwarders, barge operators and other industry stakeholders.
The broad representation is expected to promote coordinated planning and connect investors with viable opportunities across the marine and blue economy.
NIMBEX will focus on investment opportunities in port development, shipping, inland waterways, logistics, offshore energy, maritime finance, fisheries, marine biotechnology, deep-sea mining, maritime security and environmental sustainability.
Other areas to be showcased include marine renewable energy, green shipbuilding, artificial intelligence-driven logistics, subsea robotics and coastal tourism.
The expo is also expected to encourage partnerships among government institutions, businesses, financial institutions and technology providers, while promoting the sustainable use of Nigeria’s marine resources.
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