‎Oyetola Woos Danish Investors as Nigeria Advances Blue Economy Agenda

‎Oyetola Woos Danish Investors as Nigeria Advances Blue Economy Agenda
‎Describimed Denmark as a strategic maritime partner
‎Commended Danish investment in Nigeria’s port sector through APM Terminals

‎Nigeria and Denmark have agreed to strengthen collaboration in identifying areas of partnership, investment, and technical cooperation to advance Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.

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‎Eko Hot Blog gathered that the agreement was reached on Tuesday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jens Ole Bach Hansen, at his office in Abuja.

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‎During the meeting, Oyetola actively courted Danish investors, describing Denmark as a strategic maritime partner and reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral relations to unlock the vast opportunities within the marine and blue economy sector.

‎In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the minister assured Danish investors of a conducive investment environment, strong institutional backing, and attractive returns in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

‎Oyetola also expressed appreciation to the Government of Denmark for its support towards Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in November 2025, noting that the development has further elevated Nigeria’s profile in global maritime governance.

‎He commended Danish investment in Nigeria’s port sector through APM Terminals, which operates facilities at the Apapa and Onne ports, describing the investment as a major contribution to the modernisation and efficiency of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.

‎The minister briefed the ambassador on ongoing reforms and initiatives being implemented by the ministry to harness the country’s marine and blue economy potential.

These include the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, enhanced maritime security that has led to the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters and a sharp reduction of incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, port modernisation programmes, revitalisation of inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture development, and the conservation of marine biodiversity.

‎Oyetola Woos Danish Investors as Nigeria Advances Blue Economy Agenda

‎According to Oyetola, the initiatives are aimed at driving sustainable economic growth, creating jobs, facilitating trade, and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

‎He reiterated his call on Danish investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to investment protection and long-term industry growth.

‎In his response, Ambassador Hansen congratulated Nigeria on its election into the IMO Council, describing it as a recognition of the country’s increasing influence and leadership in global maritime affairs.

‎He explained that membership of the IMO Council provides Nigeria with a strategic platform to shape international maritime policy, contribute to ocean governance, and participate in critical decisions on maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

‎The ambassador expressed confidence that Nigeria would leverage its experience and regional influence to promote stronger international maritime cooperation.

‎He disclosed that APM Terminals has invested about $1.2 billion in Nigerian ports and plans to expand its investments further. Hansen also highlighted Denmark’s expertise in wind energy and green maritime technologies, noting that his country is willing to share knowledge and experience with Nigeria in renewable energy and sustainable maritime solutions.

‎He reaffirmed Denmark’s readiness to explore broader cooperation with Nigeria in developing its marine and blue economy sector.