Oyetola woos Danish investors to maritime sector

Nigeria has stepped up its push for foreign capital in the maritime sector, with the Federal Government courting Danish investors on the back of reforms, improved maritime security and over $1.2 billion already invested by APM Terminals in Nigerian ports.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the pitch yesterday in Abuja while hosting Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen, positioning the country’s marine and blue economy as a high-return growth frontier for global investors.

Oyetola said Nigeria was keen to deepen maritime cooperation with Denmark, describing the country as a strategic partner with proven capacity in ports, shipping and marine technologies. He assured potential investors of a more stable operating environment, institutional backing and policy reforms aimed at improving efficiency and returns across the sector.

 “Nigeria is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock the enormous opportunities within the marine and blue economy,” the minister said, stressing that government policies were now aligned to protect investments and drive long-term sectoral growth.

From a business perspective, Oyetola pointed to Denmark’s footprint in Nigeria’s port system through APM Terminals, which operates in Apapa and Onne ports, as evidence of confidence in the market. He described the investment as “strategic” to port modernisation, efficiency gains and trade facilitation in Africa’s largest economy.

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in November 2025, noting that the development had strengthened the country’s influence in global maritime governance and enhanced its attractiveness to international investors.

Oyetola outlined key reforms underway under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, including the development of a National Marine and Blue Economy Policy, port modernisation programmes, revitalisation of inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture development, and marine biodiversity conservation. He added that sustained improvements in maritime security had eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and significantly reduced incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, these interventions are designed to boost trade, expand employment, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

Earlier, Ambassador Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its IMO Council election, describing it as recognition of the country’s growing leadership in maritime affairs.

 “Membership of the IMO Council gives Nigeria a strategic platform to influence global maritime policy and contribute meaningfully to international ocean governance,” he said.

The Danish envoy disclosed that APM Terminals has invested about $1.2 billion in Nigerian ports, with plans to commit additional capital to expand operations—an indication of Denmark’s long-term interest in Nigeria’s maritime economy.

Beyond ports, Hansen said Denmark was open to broader collaboration, particularly in wind energy and green maritime technologies, areas where the country has global expertise. He expressed readiness to share technical knowledge and explore renewable energy solutions that align with Nigeria’s sustainability and blue economy ambitions.

Both sides agreed to sustain engagement and identify new areas for partnership, investment and technical cooperation, as Nigeria seeks to translate policy reforms and improved security into measurable growth across its marine and blue economy value chain.

Advertisement