By Andrew Utulu
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola (CON)
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), has extended warm felicitations to all maritime workers across the country as Nigeria joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day.
Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Media and Communications Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja, disclosed the Minister’s message in a statement made available to journalists.
According to him, in a statement issued at Abuja, the Minister lauded the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of workers within the marine and blue economy sector to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s economy.
“Today, I join millions of Nigerians to salute the unwavering spirit and industriousness of our maritime workers — from seafarers and dockworkers to port administrators and regulators. Your efforts are the bedrock of our nation’s gateway to trade and economic prosperity,” Oyetola said.
He described the maritime industry as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic architecture and emphasized that the sector remains vital to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Without your daily sacrifices and commitment to excellence, our ports and inland waterways would not function as efficiently as they do. You represent the strength and tenacity of our national workforce, and your dedication inspires our collective ambition to transform Nigeria into a maritime hub of global repute,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Media and Communications Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering policies that protect the rights and welfare of maritime workers, while also prioritizing investments in infrastructure, technology, and training that would enhance productivity and working conditions in the sector.
“As we celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day, I wish to assure all maritime professionals that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy stands firmly with you. Together, we will build a modern, secure, and thriving maritime sector that creates jobs, drives innovation, and enhances national development,” he concluded.
The Minister also used the occasion to call for continued collaboration between government agencies, labour unions, and private stakeholders to ensure that the maritime workforce remains competitive, well-motivated, and future-ready.
International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is observed annually on May 1 to celebrate workers’ rights and highlight the vital role they play in driving socio-economic advancement.
