The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships in the maritime sector, describing indigenous investment as key to unlocking Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.
The Minister made the pledge at the 40th anniversary of Starzs Investments Company Limited in Port Harcourt on Friday. Represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, Minister Oyetola said sustained collaboration between government and the private sector was essential to making Nigeria Africa’s leading maritime nation.
He said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment through policy consistency, infrastructure development, technology investment and capacity building, while expanding opportunities for indigenous operators in shipping, marine logistics, offshore support, ship management, shipbuilding and marine engineering.
“We remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous participation across the maritime value chain. Whether in shipping, marine logistics, ship management, offshore support services, shipbuilding or marine engineering, our objective is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of our maritime economy.
We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses can thrive,” the Minister said. Dr. Oyetola described Starzs Investments as a model of indigenous enterprise, saying its four decades of growth demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian firms to compete globally.
He added that maritime security and human capital development remained central to the government’s agenda. “Nigeria possesses every advantage required to become Africa’s leading maritime nation. Realising that ambition will require continued partnership between government and the private sector, sustained investment in infrastructure and technology, consistent policy implementation, and a commitment to excellence,” the Minister said.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described Starzs Investments as a model of sustainable institution building, noting that the company has expanded its fleet to 11 offshore support vessels, employed more than 200 professionals and executed over 35 offshore marine contracts since 2010.
She also praised its “40 for 40” initiative, which will provide maritime education and skills opportunities for 40 beneficiaries, and said the African Continental Free Trade Area offered significant growth prospects for indigenous maritime operators. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investments, Iroghama Ogbeifun, said the anniversary celebrated four decades of resilience, innovation and purposeful leadership.