By Providence Ayanfeoluwa  

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for synergy between the Federal and state governments, private sector and development partners to accelerate the implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,    describing sub-national participation as critical to unlocking the sector’s vast economic potential.

Oyetola said this at the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held in Lagos last week with the theme: “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy”.

He said Nigeria had moved beyond policy formulation and must now focus on implementation capable of delivering measurable economic benefits, noting that the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy had provided a strategic framework for harnessing Nigeria’s oceans, inland waterways, fisheries and coastal resources, but stressed that its success depended on coordinated action across all levels of government.

According to him, many of the country’s blue economy assets were located within states and communities, making sub-national governments indispensable partners in driving investment, creating jobs, improving food security and promoting environmental sustainability.

Oyetola said reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had strengthened stakeholder engagement, attracted investment, improved maritime safety and enhanced the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports. 

He cited the 2025 Container Port Performance Index by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, which ranked Tin Can Island Port as the tenth most improved port globally and Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, as the twelfth most improved between 2020 and 2025.

In his keynote address, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, commended President Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a strategic step towards diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

He said Bayelsa followed suit by creating its own Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in June 2024 to drive the blue economy component of the state’s A-S-S-U-R-E-D Prosperity Agenda.

In his presentation on private sector investment and industrialisation, President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the successful implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy would depend largely on sustained private sector participation. He noted that the policy targets the creation of three million jobs within its first four years, annual sectoral growth of seven per cent and the reservation of at least 50 per cent of new jobs for young people aged between 18 and 35.

Dangote, who was represented by the Managing Director of Dangote Port Operations, Simeon Akin Omole, said industrial transformation required policy consistency, quality infrastructure, access to finance and investor confidence.

By Efe Onodjae

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, says the Council protects over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers through regulatory interventions and dispute resolution.

Speaking through a representative at a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, he says: “Within the period under review, the Council protects over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy. This includes preventing N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments and securing savings of N4.54 billion and $1.348 million through Alternative Dispute Resolution and regulatory interventions.”

According to him, “The Council receives 558 complaints and successfully resolves 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud.”

He adds that the Council also records out-of-court settlements with APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over charges collected above approved tariffs.

On reforms, Dr. Akutah says: “The Council harmonises bonded terminal invoice charges by reducing billing categories from 18 to six. Terminal operators are directed to display approved tariffs publicly, while shipping companies are mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to ease the return of empty containers and reduce congestion.”

He further says: “The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent. The proposed law will strengthen tariff regulation, service standards, competition and commercial conduct across Nigerian ports.”

According to him, the Council also secures statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act and continues to support the National Single Window, the International Cargo Tracking Note and the expansion of Inland Dry Ports to improve trade and reduce the cost of doing business.

By Mather Godwin

Dangote Cement Plc has announced a 50 per cent increase in dividend payout to shareholders, raising the dividend from N30 per share to N45 per share, which translates to a total payout of approximately N753.8 billion, reaffirming the company’s position as one of the most rewarding investments on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). 

The increase follows the company’s outstanding 2025 financial performance and underscores its unwavering commitment to shareholder value creation.

The dividend payout, which was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), represents the highest dividend payout in the history of Dangote Cement and reflects the strength of its earnings capacity, robust cash generation ability, and disciplined execution of its growth strategy

Dangote Cement delivered a landmark financial performance in 2025. Earnings per share rose significantly to N59.86, demonstrating the company’s resilience and operational excellence despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

Chairman of Dangote Cement, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, said the increase in dividend payout reflects the Company’s determination to reward shareholders for their continued confidence and support.

“Our commitment remains to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. This significant increase in dividend demonstrates the strength of our business model, our disciplined approach to capital allocation, and our confidence in the future. We are grateful for the trust our shareholders have placed in us over the years and remain committed to delivering superior returns while maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.”

The Company’s dividend history has continued to set benchmarks in the Nigerian capital market.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arvind Pathak, said the dividend increase is backed by the Company’s strong financial performance and healthy balance sheet.

“The decision to increase our dividend by 50 per cent to N45 per share demonstrates the strength of Dangote Cement’s earnings capacity and cash generation capability. As we continue to execute our pan-African growth strategy, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our shareholders, investing in the future of the business, and supporting Africa’s industrial development. Our shareholders have stood by us throughout our journey, and we are delighted to reward that trust with another significant increase in returns.”