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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has said the vision and commitment of President Bola Tinubu paved the way for Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after 14 years.
He disclosed this in Calabar while declaring open a two-day Upskilling Programme for stakeholders in the sector at the State Library Complex, Calabar.
In his keynote address presented by his deputy, Peter Odey, the governor said “the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was established in August 2023.
“Nigeria was re-admitted into Category C of the IMO Council in 2025, after a 14-year absence. This is attributable to the vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward economic diversification.”
He added that inspired by the President’s efforts, his administration created the Cross River State Blue Economy Agency in 2024 to harness the state’s marine ecosystem, open new revenue streams, and align with the Federal Government’s sustainable blue economy strategy.
He highlighted ongoing interventions in the state’s maritime sector, including progress on the Bakassi Deep Seaport, the distribution of over 100 motorized fishing boats in 2024, renovation of the Marina Resort, planned upgrade of the Calas Vegas Resort, and revitalization of the KADA Cinema waterfront.
The governor also emphasized that upgrading skills is vital in an era driven by rapid advances in science, technology, and AI, describing the programme as a valuable platform for stakeholders to gain relevant knowledge and build the capacity needed to compete globally.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Melodie Lebo, described the initiative as the start of a new era where the state’s rivers, coastline, and aquatic resources become engines of growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Senior Special Adviser to the President on Marine and Blue Economy, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, acknowledged Cross River State’s consistent support for national efforts in developing the marine and blue economy, highlighting its strategic coastal position and significant ecological and economic assets.
Prof. Fakinlede noted that these initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu GCFR’s agenda on food security, economic diversification, youth empowerment, and sustainable marine resource utilisation.
Prof. Francis Nwosu, Dean, Faculty of Oceanography, University of Calabar, also made a special presentation titled: “Unlocking the Potential of a Sustainable Blue Economy for Nigeria: Cross River State in Focus.”
