From Idu Jude, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that the draft copy of the validated National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy should be with the National Assembly by January 2025 to enable its speedy passage into law.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in Abuja over the weekend during the executive validation workshop on the National Policy in the new sector.
The Minister stated that the move aims to recognise the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in creating a dedicated Ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy.
Furthermore, he said that the strategic initiative reflects the President’s determination to unlock the vast potential of Nigerian marine resources, expand opportunities beyond land-based development, and establish the sector as a key driver of national prosperity in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The Minister said: “Today’s programme is the second and final stage in the validation process for the National Policy on the Marine and Blue Economy. The first was the workshop held in Lagos on 27th and 28th November 2024.
“Building on the outcomes of the first validation workshop, this engagement aims to refine our priorities and solidify a framework for advancing the maritime sector over the next few years.”
Oyetola said that the validation session marks the conclusion of the new sector consultative engagements with key stakeholders and industry leaders aimed at finalising a well-rounded and inclusive policy framework.
“I encourage everyone to contribute meaningfully, as your input is critical to shaping a sustainable and prosperous blue economy for Nigeria.
“This workshop brings together a diverse group of professionals, including industry experts, academics, and researchers, to foster collaboration and share innovative solutions for enhancing marine governance.
“It is an important platform to capture diverse perspectives, and I trust that participants will engage actively in the discussions and contribute valuable insights to advancing Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
“As you are aware, a key factor in driving maritime development is the establishment of a strong policy framework. Many African countries are intensifying their cooperation to enhance knowledge of the blue economy and adopt policies that will unlock its vast potential.”
He added that the Ministry has a clear vision for the sector, and the stakeholders’ presence in the workshop reaffirms the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to explore the maritime future of the country.
While acknowledging participants as a crucial pillar of Nigeria’s future economy, it was noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain holds immense potential in addressing the relationship between the marine and blue economy sectors, while economic growth through an inclusive maritime policy is at the heart of this technical validation session.
“This workshop is an opportunity to consolidate your skills and finalise a framework that will guide the sustainable growth of the global economy in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Olufemi Michael Oloruntola, revealed that the process has already scaled most of what is required to take the stakeholders beyond this level, and the final policy of government will hopefully be presented to the Federal Executive Council within the next month.
“Our task here now is very important. This guidance presents a crucial opportunity to finalise that guidance and ensure that it captures the diverse perspectives of all stakeholders.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that this policy serves as a strategic role model for the sustainable management of our marine resources.”
In her welcome address, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Kalthum Ibrahim, observed that the forum provided a robust platform for exchanging ideas, voicing perspectives, and fostering collaboration.
“We heard from the experts in the thematic groups, from Fisheries and Aquaculture, where the experts unanimously agreed to adopt Artisanal Fisheries instead of Inland Fisheries, Marine Abiotic Resources, Marine Innovation and Technology, and, lastly, Maritime Transportation, Trade, and Shipping.
“Today, in Abuja, we take another decisive step forward in refining and validating the draft policy that seeks to harness the vast resources of our marine and coastal ecosystems while ensuring their sustainability for generations to come.”
Dr Ibrahim stated that the Marine and Blue Economy represents a critical pillar for the National Development Agenda, offering a pathway to economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. It encompasses key sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, blue energy, and maritime transport, holding enormous potential to generate wealth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
To realise this potential, she said, it requires deliberate, coordinated, and inclusive efforts—precisely the kind of collaboration this workshop aims to strengthen.