The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to harnessing the potentials of the Nigeria’s marine economy for job creation and economic prosperity.
Oyetola said this in a keynote address he delivered at the 2nd Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu.
The two-day conference has the theme: “Navigating the future: Anchoring sustainability while bridging the gap between economic growth and marine preservation.”
The minister, represented by the Director, Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mercy Ilori, said that the establishment of the ministry was a strategic step towards unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potentials beyond oil and gas.
“As we chart this new course, sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community engagement must remain at the core of our initiatives.
“In line with this, the ministry has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the regulatory, legal, institutional and policy frameworks for the management and development of the sector.
“We have painstakingly devoted attention to the crafting of a sound policy framework to govern and direct the sector.
“We have ensured that both the process and outcomes are given diligent attention. Our approach has been to guarantee a comprehensive and holistic national policy for the marine and blue economy,” he said.
According to him, currently the ministry and its agencies are implementing programmes in marine environmental protection to combat pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Oyetola noted that the ministry was leveraging private sector resources and technology to drive an agenda aimed at modernising the infrastructure and systems.
“Some of the initiatives include, modernisation and reconstruction of the western and eastern ports. This effort is expected to generate over 20,000 direct employment opportunities.
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“Facilitation of the development of fish terminal/harbour, inland dry ports, modern shipyards, the establishment of a national shipping carrier, a host of digital platforms for the management of sector transactions; all through private sector led initiatives,” he added.
The minister said that the theme of the conference was relevant and significant; while commending the Institute for its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in maritime space.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, noted that the country’s oceans and coastal zones are more than just resources, as they are the lifeblood of global commerce, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Prof. Ujam, represented by Prof. Ike Agbaeze, said that in an era of rapid industrialisation and environmental challenges, “it demands our collective responsibility and determination to ensure that economic development does not imperil our planet’s health, particularly our oceans and seas.
The vice chancellor lauded the institute and its management for pushing forward the frontier of scholarly knowledge and research on marine economy and opening up the sector for the benefit of all.
