Oyetola Inaugurates NIMBEX Committee To Drive Maritime Investment

By Stella Okocha

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the organising committee for the Nigeria Marine and Blue Economy Expo, NIMBEX, as part of moves to position Nigeria as a leading destination for maritime investment in Africa.

The inauguration, held on October 22, 2026, is aimed at creating a platform that will bring together policymakers, international investors, industry leaders and technology innovators to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, said NIMBEX will translate Nigeria’s maritime advantages into tangible investment opportunities, economic growth and job creation.

“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,” the Minister said.

He noted that with an 853-kilometre coastline, over 10,000 kilometres of navigable inland waterways spanning 28 states and a large domestic market, Nigeria has significant assets to strengthen its position in regional and international maritime trade and needs investments to harness them.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Husseini Shettima, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology at 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.

Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, will serve as member and Chief Operating Officer of the expo.

Other members include representatives of technical departments and key agencies such as Nigerian Ports Authority, NIMASA, Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research and colleges of freshwater fisheries technology in New Bussa and Baga.

The committee also includes representatives of coastal states, terminal operators, shipowners, freight forwarders, barge operators and other stakeholders, to ensure coordinated planning and connection of investors with credible, policy-backed opportunities.

NIMBEX will focus on deep-sea mining, port development, shipping, inland waterway development, logistics, offshore energy, maritime finance, fisheries, marine biotechnology, maritime security and environmental sustainability.

It will also showcase emerging opportunities in marine renewable energy, green shipbuilding, AI-driven logistics, subsea robotics and coastal tourism, while fostering collaboration among government, industry, financial institutions and technology players for sustainable use of marine resources.