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In an effort to make the new established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy the main stay of Nigerian economy, stakeholders in the industry, has met to chart a road map as a guideline to meet the aspiration of present administration of the Federal Government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had visioned the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to help harness the enormous potential for the growth of the economy.
while delivering a speech during a Stakeholders conference in Abuja Thursday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged all involved to ensure that the agenda of the federal government is met for the realization of the project.
The minister, further speaking, stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the need to diversify and pursue economic growth, hence, the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, nothing that the establishment of the new Ministry is, therefore, indicative of the government’s appreciation and acknowledgement of the marine resources as a key economic asset and driver.
“The coming to live of the ministry is also a demonstration of the government’s willingness to harness these resources in a sustainable manner in line with global best practices.”
The minister further observed that the vision of the ministry has the onerous task to work to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation by using the potential of its blue economy to diversify revenue, assure sustainable development, and cultivate environmental stewardship.
“Our aim today is to spearhead this vision to harness the vast opportunities within the country’s maritime and aquatic domains and lay the foundation upon which strong and sustainable institutions will be built and on which the maritime and blue economy sector will thrive.
“We are at a period in the nation’s history where we have to be innovative in harnessing the enormous potential for development that abounds in the country. It is imperative to state that this programme is part of steps towards the realisation of the objectives of government in the sector. As stakeholders in the sector, the responsibility lies on us to work with the government to forge a viable path towards the actualisation of the opportunity created by the establishment of this ministry.
“As a responsible government, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our people and resources. In this wise, we will continue to partner and work with our numerous and varied stakeholders both in the public and private space and to ensure maritime safety and security and to safeguard our maritime ecosystem for future generations”.
To ensure that the marine activities remains a priority of Federal Government to boost the economy, Oyetola, revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria during the Cabinet retreat held in August 2023, developed 4-year presidential priorities and deliverables, and signed Performance contracts with the leadership of each of its Ministries in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“In response to this, the deliverables of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy were duly cascaded at a retreat in November 2023 to the Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry for implementation.
“Let me also hasten to add that we had equally met with the industry stakeholders in November to harvest their inputs. At the stakeholders’ engagement, we had six breakout groups and worked around the following thematic areas: Inland Waterways, Marine Fisheries and Acqual culture, Maritime Governance and Capacity, Maritime Safety and Security, Ports Efficiency, and Shipping, Ship Building and Maintenance. Recommendations were made and I want to reassure the stakeholders that their efforts were not in vain.
“At this juncture, it has become imperative for the Ministry to further engage with other critical stakeholders and experts in Nigeria’s maritime sector to transform Nigeria into a premier maritime nation, and to work towards the realisation of the Presidential deliverables. May I state that the expected outcome of this retreat includes an acceptable draft of the Strategic Plan and Road Map and Guideline for the production of a draft National Marine and Blue Economy Policy.
“It is, therefore,important that we see this assignment as a national cause and treat it with all the seriousness it deserves as the outcome of our engagements and deliberations would have both national and global impact. Permit me to state that our work here today when finished will become part of our nation’s history as we can proudly say we were part of the team which charted a path for the growth of the maritime sector in Nigeria.”
Also speaking during the stakeholders conference, Hajia Kadija Bukar Ibrahim, Chairman House Committee on Marine Economy, assured the ministry of the committee’s working relationship to ensure that the roadmap becomes a policy and we’ll legislated. She said that her committee sees the Marine business as a major source of Nations economy, with an emphasis that as a matter of oversight function her committee is there to help the Marine and Blue Economy to become one of the best ministries in Nigeria.
“Please do not be intimidated, we are only here to work together and to be sure that progress is made.”
In his contribution, Abdulsamad Dasuki, House Committee on Shipping services. Said that his committee, is currently working on Maritime policy to ensure that the country has a holistic regulation that would ensure a viable marine business in Nigeria.
