The minister of marine and blue economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, said a well-developed national policy on marine and blue economy is necessary to exploit maritime potential for economic growth as well as make Nigeria a maritime power.
The minister stated this yesterday while declaring open a stakeholders’ validation session to develop the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria.
According to a statement by the spokesman for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Osagie Edward, the minister emphasised that such a framework would create a sustainable pathway for economic growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining, while also ensuring environmental sustainability.
Besides, he said the policy would address the challenges in the sector, including environmental degradation and unwholesome activities such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“A robust national policy will ensure that we address these issues through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations,” he said.
Oyetola explained that the policy “seeks to implement comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of all waterways.”
However, he said challenges such as the recent spate of boat mishaps demand urgent attention.
“Consequently, this policy aims to establish comprehensive measures that will enhance safety across our waterways.
“As we develop this policy, the Ministry remains committed to repositioning Nigeria as a dominant player in the marine and blue economy, both regionally and globally.
“We are also pursuing Nigeria’s candidacy for election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance,” he added.
The minister noted that Nigeria had made remarkable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols and conventions.
“These measures have strengthened our safety and security framework, resulting in a remarkable three-year period with zero incidents of piracy in our waters.
“Nonetheless, the recurring boat mishaps underscore the pressing need for immediate action,” he added.
In his welcome address, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the validation workshop is a key step in shaping the national policy on marine and blue economy.
He explained that the policy is a framework designed to address Nigeria’s specific needs and aspirations while embracing sustainable development principles.
“It provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review, refine, and enrich the draft policy through a participatory and inclusive approach,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “The draft policy, which consists of nine parts, offers an elaborate overview of our country’s marine and blue economic endowments and their current state. It affirms our mandate, vision, and mission, setting the stage for the policy’s objectives and aspirations.
“It further dissects these aspirations into five broad parts of legal and institutional framework; maritime transport, trade and shipping; fisheries and aquaculture; marine abiotic resources; and marine innovation and technology.
“It also identifies a range of cross-cutting issues and concludes with an assessment of stakeholders to support the implementation structure. Overall, it is a comprehensive document.”
Also present at the event were the chief executive officers of all the agencies under the ministry.
They included the director general, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NMA), Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho, executive secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Akutah Pius, and managing director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.
