Oyetola urges youth to tap into blue economy opportunities

2026-02-24 - 18:26

By Folarin Kehinde, Abuja The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of vast opportunities in the marine and blue economy sector, describing it as a largely untapped avenue for employment and enterprise development. Oyetola made the call while receiving State Directors of the City Boy Movement (CBM) from the Southwest in his office in Abuja. He said the marine and blue economy, which covers coastal trade, shipping, fisheries, marine services, port operations and logistics, has the capacity to generate thousands of jobs and support entrepreneurship if properly harnessed. According to him, the Ministry is implementing policies and initiatives aimed at expanding indigenous participation in maritime activities, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young Nigerians. “The sector holds enormous untapped potential for employment and enterprise. Young people must position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities emerging within the blue economy space,” he said. The minister stressed that youth inclusion is critical to sustainable economic growth and national development, noting that the sector can play a significant role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy. Oyetola also commended the City Boy Movement for its mobilisation and civic engagement efforts, describing the platform as a useful partner in promoting awareness of government programmes and reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Earlier, the Oyo State Director of the movement, Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, said the delegation’s visit formed part of its engagement with key ministries whose mandates directly impact economic growth and job creation. He highlighted the importance of sensitising youths in the Southwest and across the country to opportunities within the maritime value chain, including shipping, logistics and fisheries. Other directors in the delegation included Moyo Ogunlewe (Lagos), Kasali Oluwafemi (Ekiti) and Kayode Sowande (Osun). Oyetola assured the group of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with credible youth-driven platforms to promote skills development, economic inclusion and broader participation of Nigerians in the blue economy sector.