The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, recently spoke about a new national policy designed to improve how Nigeria manages its maritime activities. He explained that this policy is meant to be inclusive, meaning it will take into account the needs and contributions of various stakeholders, and it aims to improve governance in the maritime sector.
Oyetola believes that by implementing this policy, the maritime industry can become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s overall economic success, aligning with a broader vision for Africa known as Agenda 2063, which focuses on sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
This information was shared during a workshop in Abuja, which was part of a series of events aimed at refining and finalizing the national policy on Marine and Blue Economy. The Head of Press & Public Relations at the marine ministry, Muhammad Zakaria, reported on this workshop, noting that it brought together industry professionals, academics, and researchers to help shape a strong framework for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Oyetola emphasized the ministry’s commitment to fostering growth and development in this area. He highlighted the importance of connecting the marine and blue economy sectors with overall economic growth, suggesting that a well-crafted maritime policy could position Nigeria as a leader in the global blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources.
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The minister also mentioned that this workshop is crucial for re-evaluating priorities and creating a solid plan for the maritime sector’s advancement in the coming years. He stressed that having a strong policy framework is essential for driving development in the maritime industry.
Additionally, Oloruntola Olufemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stated that the workshop aimed to build on the successes of previous discussions. He pointed out that the marine industry is becoming increasingly important in the global economy and is improving the fortunes of many countries.
This workshop was seen as a chance to solidify efforts and finalize a guiding framework for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s blue economy. Oloruntola concluded by noting that as Nigeria faces both challenges and opportunities in this sector, the new policy represents a proactive approach to tapping into the vast potential of the country’s marine resources.
