His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister, Marine and Blue Economy

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 joins the global community to mark the 2025 International Workers’ Day.

In a statement issued in Abuja by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Media and Communications Adviser to the Honourable Minister, 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.

The Minister 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.

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.

The 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.