By Innocent Orok
At the 2025 World Maritime day celebrations held in Lagos on Thursday, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola has echoed that the ocean is the Lifeblood of Nigeria .
Mobereola further said
approximately 71% of the world’s surface is covered by oceans. “According to the World Bank, the oceans provide a livelihood for nearly three billion people globally. Nigeria is blessed with a vast maritime endowment providing extensive opportunities for investment and growth.”
In his goodwill message at the event, the NIMASA DG said
“It is a profound honour to stand before you all today on behalf of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as we join the global maritime community to celebrate the 2025 World Maritime Day, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“I thank the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for its leadership in ensuring that World Maritime Day is celebrated annually.
“Approximately 71% of the world’s surface is covered by oceans. According to the World Bank, the oceans provide a livelihood for nearly 3 billion people globally. Nigeria is blessed with a vast maritime endowment providing extensive opportunities for investment and growth.
“For us, the ocean is the lifeblood of our nation, the gateway for over 80% of our trade, and a reservoir of immense biodiversity and resources. Its health dictates our climate, its security defines our sovereignty, and its potential holds the key to our future.Our Obligation lies in ensuring Environmental stewardship, Maritime Safety and Security.
“We are strongly advocating for a just and equitable transition to net-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for Sub- Saharan Africa, Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries to ensure fairness and social justice. The plastic pollution crisis is also an issue we are addressing with our Marine Litter and Plastic Action Plan.
“We are also driving the implementation of IMO frameworks to promote a healthy marine environment in line with best global practices.
“On the security front, we are delighted that the Deep Blue project (Nigeria’s Integrated Maritime Security Infrastructure) has become a game changer in addressing maritime security in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea Area.
“The beauty and the diversity of the Ocean are not just captivating but continue to inspire us all. The opportunities in the ocean are vast and must be harnessed sustainably, from fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, shipbuilding and repair, tourism, to port infrastructure development among others.
“Sadly, the blue economy remains one of the most underfunded sectors globally. According to the World Bank, Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life below water) is one of the most poorly funded SDGs, with an annual financing gap of approximately USD 150 billion. It has been acknowledged globally that Public Funding will never be enough to close the gaps.
“To scale up financing for ocean health and the sustainable blue economy, the private sector must get involved. We need the right regulatory frameworks, incentive structures and de-risking mechanisms to mobilise the private sector and bring investment to the scale that is desperately needed.
“There is an old maritime adage that says, “Do not ever turn your back on the ocean; the tides and waves can sweep you off your feet.”
“We must therefore view Our Ocean as a national trust to be sustainably managed. All of us seated here have different roles to play in safeguarding our ocean, and we must work together whether as government, industry or community. We are all partners in progress.”
