Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, has called for sweeping reforms, targeted investment, and stronger policy direction to unlock Nigeria’s maritime and coastal resources as major engines of economic growth.
Represented by Mr. Gbenga Oyebode at the 2025 Annual Conference and Awards of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), held on November 13 in Lagos, Senator Sanni said Nigeria is well positioned to become West and Central Africa’s leading maritime hub if the Federal Government strengthens infrastructure, enhances regulatory frameworks, and embraces technology driven solutions.
He noted that the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive. However, he cautioned that the Ministry’s success will depend on strategic planning, private sector engagement, and the modernization of ports, jetties, and inland waterways.
According to him, Nigeria’s future competitiveness in maritime trade hinges on the development of an efficient multimodal transport system connecting seaports to industrial zones and agricultural belts. He stressed the need for improved rail and road linkages, as well as greater reliance on inland waterways to ease port congestion and accelerate cargo movement.
Senator Sanni also underscored the importance of adopting digital innovations such as the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) to improve transparency, strengthen revenue assurance, and tackle operational bottlenecks across the logistics chain.
He called for the formulation of a National Blue Economy Policy aligned with global frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Such a policy, he said, must promote institutional synergy, regulatory clarity, and a legal environment that encourages investment and ensures efficient maritime dispute resolution.
Highlighting the economic potential embedded in fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, biotechnology, and renewable energy, he urged the Federal Government to adopt sustainable practices and ensure community involvement in Blue Economy initiatives. He added that effective public private partnership and robust technology integration were essential to transforming marine resources into catalysts for industrial expansion and national prosperity.
Senator Sanni commended AMJON for providing a credible platform for maritime discourse, noting that informed journalism plays a critical role in shaping policy direction and promoting sectoral growth.