Minister Urges Agencies to Prioritize Development in 2025 Budget Proposals
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on agencies under the ministry to align their 2025 budget proposals with the strategic goals of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the budget prioritizes impactful and sustainable development, especially in areas that will unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Speaking on Wednesday during a session with ministry agencies to review their 2025 budget proposals, Oyetola expressed confidence that the budgets will further strengthen the ministry’s efforts to harness Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.
Anastasia Ogbonna, the ministry’s Director of Press and Information, quoted the minister as urging transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritization in the budget submissions. Oyetola stated that the ministry’s fiscal strategy must align with the ambitions set out in the national policy framework: “We are tasked with ensuring that every naira allocated delivers measurable impact.”
He emphasized that the 2025 budget should not only meet the immediate needs of the ministry and its agencies but also act as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term economic growth.
“The marine and blue economy sector holds unparalleled potential for national development,” the minister said. “It provides a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship, which are key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Oyetola further highlighted the need to focus on strengthening the maritime domain by investing in surveillance systems, enhancing maritime law enforcement, and improving aquaculture, fishing ports, and efforts to curb illegal and unregulated fishing. He also underscored the importance of promoting oceanographic research, stock assessments, renewable marine energy, and technologies to build climate resilience.
Regarding the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola emphasized that the policy is more than just a document — it is a comprehensive roadmap that will guide efforts towards sustainable marine resource management, climate adaptation, technological innovation, and improved governance in the sector.
