WorldStage– The National Assembly has pledged its continuous support in providing the legal and oversight framework for sustainable prosperity of the nation’s Marine and Blue Economy.
Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, made this known during the 2025 World Maritime Day on Thursday in Lagos.
The theme of the celebration is “Inspiring theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”.
Eshinlokun-Sanni said that NASS would continue to enact progressive legislation and conduct robust oversight necessary to fully harness opportunities in the maritime sector.
“As we celebrate today, let us all remember that the ocean is not only our shared heritage, but also our shared responsibility.
“Together, we can turn our obligations into opportunities for sustainable growth, environmental protection, and global relevance.
“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of our maritime industry as a critical driver of economic diversification and national prosperity.
“From port reforms, infrastructural renewal, blue economy initiatives, to policies aimed at enhancing safety, security, and efficiency, this government has shown that the maritime sector is at the heart of our economic transformation agenda,” Eshinlokun-Sanni said.
He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global maritime map.
The senator also extended his goodwill and best wishes to NIMASA as it seeks election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the forthcoming General Assembly.
He said that Nigeria’s visibility and voice at the IMO was not just national aspiration, but a continental necessity.
Eshinlokun-Sanni expressed confidence that the collective support would ensure success.
Also speaking, Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hajia Khadija Waziri-Bukar, said the ocean is the heartbeat of global commerce.
She added that more than 80 per cent of world trade was carried by sea, and Nigeria stands as a maritime hub in Africa.
Waziri-Bukar said that beyond commerce, Nigeria’s waters sustained fisheries, energy, tourism, and biodiversity, adding that protecting the natural endowment was both a national duty and a global responsibility.
“This theme captures the reality that the oceans are not just vast waters-they are sources of life, engines of trade, and pillars of economic growth.
“For Nigeria, a nation strategically located on the Atlantic coast with abundant blue economy resources, the ocean represents both a sacred trust and a gateway to prosperity.
“As custodians of these waters, we must commit to:-
Maritime Safety and Security; strengthening enforcement against piracy, smuggling and pollution; and supporting agencies tasked with surveillance and rescue operations.
“Nigeria Maritime domain must also be committed to environmental stewardship by curbing marine pollution, adopting greener shipping practices, and aligning with the International Maritime.
“Capacity development by investing in maritime education and training, so that our young people can become seafarers, innovators, and leaders in the blue economy,” Waziri-Bukar said.
She restated the readiness of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration in providing robust legislation in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda that ensured Nigeria fulfils these obligations while positioning the industry for sustainable growth.
Waziri-Bukar said the maritime sector was a goldmine of opportunities, adding that with deliberate policies, Nigeria could grow indigenous shipping, develop modern port infrastructure, expand shipbuilding and unlock millions of jobs in the blue economy.
She said Nigeria maritime domain could be transformed into a cornerstone of national prosperity by fostering partnerships between government, private investors, and international stakeholders.
