The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on Nigerian youths to explore the vast opportunities in the marine and blue economy sector, describing it as a largely untapped avenue for employment and enterprise development.
Oyetola made the appeal while receiving State Directors of the City Boy Movement (CBM) from the Southwest at his office in Abuja. He highlighted that the sector, which encompasses coastal trade, shipping, fisheries, marine services, port operations, and logistics, has the capacity to generate thousands of jobs and support entrepreneurship if properly harnessed.
“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,” Oyetola said. He emphasized that youth inclusion is critical to sustainable economic growth and national development, and noted that the sector can play a significant role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
The minister also commended the City Boy Movement for its civic engagement and mobilisation efforts, describing the platform as a valuable partner in raising awareness of government programmes and reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, Oyo State Director of CBM, explained that the delegation’s visit was part of its engagement with ministries whose mandates directly impact job creation and economic growth. He stressed the importance of sensitising youths in the Southwest and nationwide about opportunities across the maritime value chain, including shipping, logistics, and fisheries.
Other directors present included Moyo Ogunlewe (Lagos), Kasali Oluwafemi (Ekiti), and Kayode Sowande (Osun).
Oyetola assured the delegation 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.
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