AMANO Endorses Oyetola's Blue Economy Reforms, Insists on Academy's Specialised Status
Abuja, Nigeria – July 16, 2026 – The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) has officially endorsed the ongoing reforms of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, while reiterating its firm stance on preserving the professional identity of its alma mater.
The endorsement came on Wednesday when the AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, led members of the association's executive committee on a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja.
The AMANO delegation included Vice President Koni Duniya, Public Relations Officer Oamien Ailemen, and Welfare Officer Dimka Orit. They were received by the Minister, who was flanked by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede.
Commendation for Policy Reforms
AMANO praised the Minister's leadership, particularly the development of Nigeria's first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. From our perspective as industry professionals, this framework provides the long-awaited strategic direction for sustainable development, regulation, and management of the country's marine resources. We believe the policy will boost investor confidence, strengthen institutional coordination, promote environmental sustainability, and position the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to economic diversification, employment generation, and foreign exchange earnings.
We also commended the Minister for institutionalising the quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Summit. In our view, this initiative has enhanced dialogue among government agencies, regulators, operators, investors, and other industry players, leading to more inclusive policy formulation and practical solutions to sectoral challenges.
Defending MAN Oron's Core Mandate
On maritime education, AMANO used the platform to urge the Federal Government to preserve the specialised mandate of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron. We cautioned that any move capable of diluting its professional identity could undermine Nigeria's capacity to produce globally competitive seafarers.
Speaking on behalf of the association, President Maiguwa stated:
"We are concerned about preserving professionalism and ensuring Nigeria maintains a steady supply of competent maritime manpower. Because our members work across the industry locally and internationally, we understand the system deeply. That is why we are insisting that nothing should be allowed to undermine the Academy's core mandate."
He added that maintaining the Academy's special status would ensure continued compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements for seafarers.
Announcement of National Convention
In a major announcement, Maiguwa revealed that AMANO would host its Stakeholders' Engagement and National Convention in November. The event will bring together maritime professionals, regulators, policymakers, industry operators, and development partners to deliberate on the future of Nigeria's maritime industry. He formally invited Minister Oyetola to chair the event and deliver the keynote address.
Minister's Response
Responding, Oyetola thanked the association for its vote of confidence, describing the recognition as an encouragement to sustain the Ministry's reform agenda. He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria's marine and blue economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda through policies that promote economic diversification, infrastructure development, job creation, and private sector investment.
The Minister noted that the Ministry is implementing strategic reforms to improve the ease of doing business, modernise maritime infrastructure, strengthen regulatory efficiency, deepen local content participation, and attract greater investment into shipping, ports, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and other blue economy value chains.
Oyetola also assured indigenous ship owners of continued government support through policies designed to strengthen local shipping capacity and create a more competitive operating environment. He stated:
"Our goal is to build a resilient maritime economy that empowers Nigerian businesses, creates employment, retains greater value within our economy and positions Nigeria as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa."
He pledged sustained collaboration with industry stakeholders, stressing that consultation and partnership remain essential to achieving lasting reforms across the maritime sector.
