The National Assembly has pledged its continued support to providing the legal and oversight framework for the sustainable prosperity of the nation’s marine and blue economy.

Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, made this known during the 2025 World Maritime Day on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the celebration is “Inspiring theme: ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.’

He said NASS would continue to enact progressive legislation and conduct robust oversight necessary to fully harness opportunities in the maritime sector.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of our maritime industry as a critical driver of economic diversification and national prosperity.

“From port reforms and infrastructural renewal to blue economy initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing safety, security, and efficiency, this government has shown that the maritime sector is at the heart of our economic transformation agenda,” Mr Eshinlokun-Sanni said.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global maritime map.

The senator also extended his goodwill and best wishes to NIMASA as it seeks election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at the forthcoming General Assembly.

He said Nigeria’s visibility and voice at the IMO was not just a national aspiration but a continental necessity.

Mr Eshinlokun-Sanni expressed confidence that the collective support would ensure success.

Also speaking, chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration, Khadija Waziri-Bukar, said the ocean is the heartbeat of global commerce.

She added that more than 80 per cent of world trade was carried by sea, and Nigeria stands as a maritime hub in Africa.

Ms Waziri-Bukar said that beyond commerce, Nigeria’s waters sustained fisheries, energy, tourism, and biodiversity, adding that protecting the natural endowment was both a national duty and a global responsibility.

“For Nigeria, a nation strategically located on the Atlantic coast with abundant blue economy resources, the ocean represents both a sacred trust and a gateway to prosperity.

“As custodians of these waters, we must commit to maritime safety and security, strengthening enforcement against piracy, smuggling, and pollution, and supporting agencies tasked with surveillance and rescue operations.

“Nigeria’s maritime domain must also be committed to environmental stewardship by curbing marine pollution, adopting greener shipping practices, and aligning with the International Maritime,” Ms Waziri-Bukar said.

She restated the readiness of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration in providing robust legislation in support of President Bola Tinubu’s

(NAN)