The Federal Executive Council has approved massive maritime projects worth N286 billion aimed at modernizing Nigeria's ports and boosting the country's blue economy ambitions. The council, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, approved the projects at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The projects, which were approved barely weeks after PUNCH Online highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to bridge the gap between its ambitious blue economy agenda and weak maritime infrastructure, include the procurement of marine pollution control vessels, pilot cutter boats, and firefighting vessels. The approvals are a strategic investment aimed at deepening maritime safety, protecting Nigeria's coastal ecosystem, and stimulating trade and investment within the country's expanding blue economy.

The council approved the procurement of two state-of-the-art marine pollution control vessels valued at about N59.05 billion to combat plastic pollution, oil spills, and other marine waste across Nigeria's territorial waters, creeks, and inland waterways. The vessels will enhance environmental protection efforts while improving navigational safety within the country's maritime domain.

The council also approved the acquisition of six pilot cutter boats worth about N80.03 billion to facilitate the safe movement of marine pilots to and from vessels entering Nigerian ports. The boats will improve pilotage services, support vessel navigation through port channels, and enhance operational efficiency in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In addition, the council approved the procurement of two firefighting boats valued at about N34.06 billion to strengthen emergency response capacity. The specialised vessels will improve Nigeria's ability to respond swiftly to fires involving ships, oil terminals, jetties, and other critical maritime infrastructure, thereby reducing risks to lives, property, and the marine environment.

The largest approval was for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel at a cost of N112.85 billion under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and private sector operators. The dredging project will improve navigational access to the channel by removing silt and other obstructions, maintaining critical navigational aids, and strengthening marine pollution surveillance.

Speaking on the approvals, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said they formed part of the Federal Government's strategy to improve port efficiency, strengthen navigational safety, and align Nigeria's maritime infrastructure with international standards. He added that the projects were expected to improve vessel turnaround time, increase port efficiency, and reinforce Nigeria's competitiveness as a maritime and shipping hub in West Africa.

The approvals underscore the Federal Government's commitment to building a modern, safe, and environmentally sustainable maritime sector capable of supporting economic growth, facilitating international trade, and creating new opportunities across the blue economy value chain.

The approvals come shortly after PUNCH Online reported from the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, that environmental experts had warned Nigeria's blue economy ambitions could be undermined by weak ocean governance, deteriorating coastal ecosystems, and inadequate maritime infrastructure.

### Key Facts

  • N286 billion approved for maritime projects
  • Procurement of 2 marine pollution control vessels valued at N59.05 billion
  • Acquisition of 6 pilot cutter boats worth N80.03 billion
  • Procurement of 2 firefighting boats valued at N34.06 billion
  • Capital and maintenance dredging of the Escravos Channel at N112.85 billion