Integrated Logistics Key To Thriving Blue Economy — Oyetola – InfoStride News

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has underscored that seamless, integrated logistics is fundamental to unlocking the country’s full blue economy potential. He argued that without tight coordination across ports, transport corridors, and logistics operations, the maritime industry cannot achieve sustainable growth or compete globally.

A holistic logistics framework

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Lagos, Oyetola said the ministry is building a unified framework that links every segment of the maritime value chain—from terminal operations to hinterland transport—to drive efficiency and profitability. He emphasized that logistics integration will fast-track trade facilitation and place Nigeria in a stronger position as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

“The blue economy is central to our national development ambitions, but it cannot flourish in silos,” he said. “Integration across logistics, shipping, and port operations is essential for sustainable growth. Every component of the maritime supply chain must work in concert.”

Fixing bottlenecks and cutting costs

Oyetola noted that longstanding fragmentation in the logistics chain has hampered service delivery and inflated costs. Inefficiencies in cargo handling, inland transportation, and port connectivity, he explained, have eroded competitiveness and prolonged vessel and cargo dwell times.

“To build a resilient blue economy, we must correct systemic inefficiencies,” he said. “Ports, terminals, and inland transport should operate as one interconnected network to reduce turnaround time, attract new investments, and create jobs.”

Collaborative governance and multimodal integration

The minister highlighted a roadmap focused on inter-agency collaboration, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory streamlining. The ministry is working with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and other relevant bodies to simplify procedures and advance multimodal transport integration. These measures are designed to improve cargo evacuation from ports and enhance the overall ease of doing business.

Digital-first, data-driven operations

Integration, Oyetola stressed, is not solely about physical infrastructure. He said the ministry is driving a digital logistics ecosystem that leverages technology for transparency, accountability, and real-time coordination across the maritime supply chain. This digital shift aims to reduce bottlenecks, cut transaction times, and provide data for smarter decision-making by both public and private players.

Transforming marine resources into GDP growth

Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s long-term goal to turn Nigeria’s coastal and marine resources into significant contributors to national GDP through sustainable use and value addition. The blue economy—encompassing shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, marine services, and biotechnology—has the capacity to generate millions of jobs and attract substantial foreign direct investment when logistics and governance align.

Private investment in ports and logistics

To accelerate modernization, the government intends to partner with private investors on deep seaports, logistics parks, and maritime industrial zones. These projects are expected to expand export capacity, improve regional connectivity, and increase Nigeria’s ability to handle large-scale cargo operations. According to the minister, clear policies and incentives are being crafted to stimulate private sector innovation in logistics and marine transport.

Skills, standards, and global alignment

Industry stakeholders at the event backed the emphasis on integration. The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Nigeria chapter, Barrister Mfon Usoro, noted that a truly integrated framework will not only boost trade but also lower the cost of doing business at Nigeria’s ports. She added that capacity building, robust infrastructure, and regulatory harmonisation are critical to long-term success.

Oyetola added that the ministry’s policies are being aligned with global sustainability best practices and the United Nations’ Blue Economy principles. This alignment aims to ensure that growth in the sector remains inclusive, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Outlook

The minister concluded that integration is the bridge between Nigeria’s maritime aspirations and its economic realities. With determined implementation of the integrated logistics roadmap, stakeholders believe Nigeria can significantly expand maritime revenues, reduce port congestion, and harness its extensive coastal assets to power national growth.