- Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Moberola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, Consul General, Consulate of Denmark, Jette Bjerrum, Managing Director, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, during a validation workshop on the development of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos…Tuesday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
In its ongoing drive to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness and attract sustainable funding for the sector, the Federal Government has called for private sector investment in port modernisation and other sectors of the nation’s blue economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this Tuesday in Lagos in his keynote speech at a stakeholder-engagement and technical validation workshop on the development of a national policy on marine and blue economy.
He noted that a robust national policy will ensure that identified negative issues are addressed through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding the nation’s marine resources for future generations.
Oyetola, who described the development as critical, said it was worth noting that Nigeria has achieved notable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols and conventions.
He said these have strengthened the nation’s safety and security framework, resulting in a remarkable three-year period of zero incidences of piracy in the nation’s waters.
To improve on these achievements, he said the government is “actively seeking private sector investment for port modernisation, which is critical for boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness and attracting sustainable funding for the sector.”
Describing these efforts as integral to ensuring that the policies translate into tangible progress and measurable outcomes, Oyetola, however, lamented the recurring spate of boat mishaps across the nation’s inland waterways, saying it underscores the pressing need for immediate action on the policy and strategy front.
Oyetola emphasised that government is resolute and convinced that Nigeria will achieve greater heights in the blue economy sector. According to him, Nigeria is vigorously pursuing an election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation, determined to strengthen its voice in global maritime governance.
He reiterated that as the government developed this policy, the ministry remains committed to repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the marine and blue economy both regionally and globally.
However, these opportunities come with challenges and require “a fitted approach to minimise unsustainable practices, environmental degradation and illegal activities, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” he stated.
He further highlighted that the expected national policy must be comprehensive to tackle all challenges and unlock the full potential of the sector, adding that the validation workshop is a milestone in an effort to elevate Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The outcome of these stakeholder engagements will be used to update the draft policy. Therefore, “we expect to deliver a national policy document that sets out the roadmap to developing our blue economy, creating jobs, promoting private sector investments and delivering inclusive prosperity to all Nigerians, especially for our youths and women.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, described the workshop as a key step in shaping the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy – a framework designed to address Nigeria’s specific needs and aspirations while embracing sustainable development principles.”
According to him, the workshop provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review, refine and enrich the draft policy through a participatory and inclusive approach. The final document will reflect practical solutions and innovative strategies that will pave “the way for a marine and blue economy that supports economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.”
