The Minister Of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy is enshrined to serve as a guiding principle to the new Ministry and for economic empowerment to millions of low-income earner.
Oyetola, while attending a three-day stakeholders’ validation workshop for the draft of the Blue Economy strategy of Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja, remarked that the initiative aims to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, by modifying the establishment of quantum numbers of small and medium-sized enterprises within the next decade in the sector to create jobs.
The Minister further stated, “We are aligning with Blue Belt Initiative, which is the sustainable use of our ocean resources to drive economic growth and improve livelihood while preserving ocean ecosystems”
He, however, urged all participants to critically review the document to ensure it addresses the nation’s priorities comprehensively, adding that their insights and contributions would help shape actionable policies and frameworks for sustainable ocean and marine resource management.
Oyetola continues, “As a government, it is imperative to design regulatory frameworks that would govern the marine and blue economy sectors, and we look to this workshop as a platform to propose solutions that foster a sustainable Marine and Blue Economy.
“I encourage the private sector and investors to seize the massive opportunities presented by numerous government-led programs and initiatives aimed at promoting business in the Marine and Blue Economy sectors.
While commending international collaboration from various countries, expressed gratitude to AU-IBAR and the Kingdom of Norway for their steadfast commitment to the success of the initiative. “My appreciation to all the stakeholders present here today for their dedication to Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Your continued engagement and collaborative efforts are essential, not just today but as we move forward in turning our shared vision into reality. Together, we can unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, driving sustainable development, creating opportunities, and ensuring prosperity for generations to come”
“This document will serve as a roadmap for the sustainable development of the sector.
Nigeria’s journey into the Blue Economy concept began as a direct outcome of the 2018 African Union Conference. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and in line with the commitment to sustainable economic diversification and his Renewed Hope Agenda, the Blue Economy has evolved from a mere concept to a strategic priority, leading to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He encapsulated that the establishment of the Ministry signifies Nigeria’s firm commitment to sustainably harnessing its vast marine and aquatic resources, whose focus includes boosting blue food production, creating jobs, building climate-resilient coastal communities, and ensuring prosperity and security for future generations.
This commitment according to him, was further reinforced by the transfer of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year, placing all related activities directly under the Ministry’s purview.
“I am aware that the first National Consultative Workshop for formulating Nigeria’s Blue Economy Strategy was held from the 8th to the 10th of April, 2023, here in Abuja. At that event, stakeholders from various sectors came together to contribute valuable inputs and recommendations for shaping the future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Following that, AU-IBAR’s consultant collated all contributions into a draft strategy, which we gathered here today to review, validate, and finalize.
“This validation workshop is both timely and essential, as it comes at a period when the Ministry is focused on policy formulation, strategy development, governance harmonization, and institutional capacity building for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“Nigeria is blessed with a vast coastline and diverse marine resources, with significant potential in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine transport, maritime security, renewable energy, and mineral resources. Unlocking the full potential of these sectors requires a strategic, sustainable approach, built on research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, including partnerships with organizations such as AU-IBAR, among others.
“To this end, Nigeria is embarking on an ambitious plan to upscale its blue economy through a diverse range of Initiatives”.
Also speaking, the Director of Blue Economy African Union (AU), Mr. MBA George Asseko, regretted poor harnessing seabed activities in Nigeria with its rich land mass.
Asseko said that Africa should be able to look to Nigeria for an improved African economy through the Blue Economy project.
The African Union(AU), according to him, is indeed ready to help many African countries in ensuring that many ocean-deep potentials are explored for economic empowerment and stability.
While delivering a keynote address, Dr. Emenyeonu Uchenna of the Center for Blue Economy and Development said that for the country to harvest and reap the benefit of a deep blue economy, there must be a holistic approach in the implementation of all the SDGs strategies.
” It is obvious that the world economy is dependent upon the rich aquarium in their countries. This call is also for our country to ensure that all the SDGs strategies are implemented according. “It is worthy of note that SDG5, SDG14, SDG8, and SDG7 are chains of programs if well implemented, can generate over 70 billion dollars yearly. Recall that Lagos is a hot place to benefit from these lines-up Programs. Also, about 49 million people living in the coastal waters of Nigeria must get sources of livelihood”.
Daily Sun