The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has observed that the Federal Government‘s unwavering commitment towards transforming Nigeria into Africa's leading maritime hub by leveraging the vast potentials of the blue economy will certainly increase the wealth of the nation. Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerian Guild of Editors in Lagos recently, Oyetola disclosed that the Federal Government was ready to unlock the vast potentials of the maritime sector as a key driver of national prosperity. He however explained the Ministry’s strategic roadmap, which include: strengthening regulatory frameworks, attracting investments, and fostering innovation within the sector, adding that with Nigeria’s strategic coastline and abundant maritime resources, the country is well-positioned to become a global player in the blue economy. “A recognition of the depth of our endowments is the basis for the vision of President Bola Tinubu, in creating a dedicated Ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy. This strategic initiative reflects his determination to unlock the vast potentials of our marine resources and establish this sector as a key driver of national prosperity.” “The vision of the Ministry is to ensure that the country’s marine resources are harnessed sustainably to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation, so in order to lay a solid foundation for this vision, the Ministry, through a multi-layered stakeholders’ engagement and consultation, has crafted a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” He said. Responding to an inquiry during the interactive session about training and capacity building, the Honourable Minister said, “The Maritime Academy of Nigeria is the training arm of the Ministry. It is doing an excellent job in equipping professionals with the expertise needed to drive our maritime economy forward.” He further remarked that the Ministry under his leadership has recorded tremendous milestones through the activities of its agencies, which cuts across many frontiers in the blue economy. In his words, “The ministry and its agencies are working tirelessly to transform Nigeria into a leading maritime nation. Our initiatives are geared towards improving efficiency, increasing revenue generation and creating employment opportunities for Nigerians. “ “We are promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, with a focus on reducing fish importation to the barest minimum. The ministry is working closely with the private sector to establish state-of-the-art fish harbors and terminals in strategic coastal areas.” “President Bola Tinubu has approved the country’s candidacy for a Category C seat in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and we have officially notified the IMO and have commenced the necessary preparations for the election.” “On Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), NIMASA and other stakeholders are finalising the framework, and Development Banks will oversee disbursements,” he said. Other remarkable achievements of the Ministry are: 77% increment in revenue; Ports development across the country; enhanced ports operations; zero piracy record in the Gulf of Guinea in the past three years, to mention but a few. Emphasising on the critical role of the media in awareness campaigns and agenda setting, the Minister, called on the Media, to partner with the Ministry in the achievements of its mandate. Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, commended the Minister’s vision and track record, and expressed confidence in his competence to deliver transformative progress in the maritime sector following his antecedents in the private sector and as a former Governor of Osun State. “This media parley would enable both media and the ministry to forge mutual understanding, identify and address key concerns while exploring innovative solutions that would propel the marine industry forward,” he said. Also at the event were the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna; other senior officials from the Ministry; all Chief Executive Officers of agencies of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and their Heads of Media Units including the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna. From the Desk of the Head of Public Affairs Department
Domo Umoekpe, ANIPR