The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that a strong policy framework will birth a sustainable and prosperous blue economy sector.
Oyetola affirmed this at the at the final technical validation workshop on the development of national policy on Marine and Blue Economy, noting that it would go a long way in the development of the sector and also contribute immensely to the country’s GDP.
The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to separate the marine and blue Economy from the Ministry of Transportation in order to unlock the vast potential of the marine resources, expand opportunities beyond land-based development, and establish the sector as a key driver of national prosperity in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“Let me begin by recognizing the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in creating a dedicated Ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy. This strategic initiative reflects his determination to unlock the vast potential of our marine resources, expand opportunities beyond land-based development, and establish this sector as a key driver of national prosperity in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“Today’s programme is the second and final stage in the validation process for the National Policy on the Marine and Blue Economy. The first was the workshop held in Lagos on 27th & 28th November 2024. Building on the outcomes of the first validation workshop, this engagement aims to refine our priorities and solidify a framework for advancing the maritime sector over the next few years.
“This session marks the conclusion of our consultative engagements with key stakeholders and industry leaders, aimed at finalizing a well-rounded and inclusive policy framework.”
The Minister urged partocipants to use the opportunity presented by the event to contribute meaningfully in shaping a sustainable and prosperous blue economy for Nigeria.
“This workshop brings together a diverse group of professionals, including industry experts, academics, and researchers, to foster collaboration and share innovative solutions for enhancing marine governance. It is an important platform to capture diverse perspectives, and I trust that participants will engage, actively, in the discussions and contribute valuable insights to advancing Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
“As you are aware, a key factor in driving maritime development is the establishment of a strong policy framework. Many African countries are intensifying their cooperation to enhance knowledge of the blue economy and adopt policies that will unlock its vast potential.
According to Oyetola, the Ministry has a clear vision for the development of the sector, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to fully explore, harness the maritime future for the country’s gain.
“Distinguished participants, as a crucial pillar of our future economy, Nigeria’s maritime domain holds immense potential. Addressing the relationship between the marine and blue economy sectors and economic growth through an inclusive maritime policy is at the heart of this technical validation session. It urges us to pave the way for a flourishing sector that prioritizes sustainability, with a unified commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global blue economy.
“In light of this, I would like to sincerely thank all stakeholders whose support, insights, and contributions have been crucial in shaping this policy. I also commend the Ministry, our agencies, the Technical Committee, and the consultants for your tireless teamwork and dedication in executing this important national task. Your efforts have brought us to this key moment, and I deeply appreciate your commitment.
“We owe our country a great responsibility to develop a maritime policy that will endure for generations. This is a crucial step in shaping the future of the blue economy, and its outcomes will play a key role in guiding the sector’s growth,” Oyetola affirmed.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, earlier in his address stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the Policy framework served as a strategic roadmap for the sustainable management of Nigeria’s marine resources, adding that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to benefit from its vast marine resources.
Oloruntola explained that Nigeria will be able to effectively unlock the opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability inherent in a strong policy framework when finally in place as the country faces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“This policy represents a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the immense potential of our blue economy. It will foster investment, drive innovation, and create new opportunities for Nigerians while protecting the fragile ecosystems that support our coastal and marine life.”
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Kalthum Ibrahim, in her welcome address, said the aim of the event is to reinforces the shared objective and vision, that will unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy for sustainable development and national prosperity.
She also said the forum is equally aimed at providing a robust platform for exchanging ideas, voicing perspectives, and fostering collaboration.
“Today, in Abuja, we take another decisive step forward in refining and validating the draft policy that seeks to harness the vast resources of our Marine and Coastal Ecosystems while ensuring their sustainability for generations to come.
“The Marine and Blue economy represents a critical pillar for our National Development agenda, offering a pathway to economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. It encompasses key sectors such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, blue energy, and maritime transport, which hold enormous potential to generate wealth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. To realize this potential requires deliberate, coordinated, and inclusive efforts, precisely the kind of collaboration this workshop aims to strengthen,” said Kalthum.
