Nigeria Joins Global Community to Mark World Maritime Day 2025 in Lagos


Nigeria will join the global maritime community on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to commemorate World Maritime Day 2025 in Lagos. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, will focus on the theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

World Maritime Day is celebrated annually under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to raise awareness about the critical role of the ocean in global trade, climate regulation, and human survival. This year’s theme: highlights the collective responsibility of nations and citizens to protect ocean resources while also exploring the vast opportunities of the blue economy.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime industry. He noted that the oceans represent not only a source of wealth and trade but also a heritage that must be preserved for future generations.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, also emphasized the importance of sustainable ocean management. He warned that human activities such as pollution, warming, acidification, and overfishing are placing marine ecosystems under severe pressure.

 “While human activity has caused the damage, it also holds the key to restoring the ocean—presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for a healthier, safer future,” Dominguez said.



The 2025 World Maritime Day in Nigeria is expected to bring together key stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy sectors, including policymakers, industry players, environmental advocates, and youth groups. The event will provide a platform to reflect on both the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, from sustainable shipping to job creation in the blue economy.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its role in global maritime affairs, the commemoration will serve as a reminder that ocean protection and sustainable resource use are not just obligations but also opportunities for national development, climate action, and international trade.

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