Esther Oritse
Lagos — MARITIME stakeholders yesterday mulled plans to bring about a sustainable policy on Marine and Blue economy with a view to harnessing the potentials of the marine resources in Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholder’s engagement and technical validation workshop in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola said that the blue economy is a transformative pathway for the nation to seek a balance to economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Oyetola also said for Nigeria, with over 853 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and a vast exclusive economic zone, the marine environment holds unparalleled opportunities adding that these range from fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, tourism, and renewable energy and renewable energy.
He said: “However, these opportunities come with challenges: unsustainable practices, environmental degradation, and illegal 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.
“This validation workshop is a milestone in our efforts to elevate Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. It is a product of diligent and inclusive policymaking that underscores our Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and precision. The Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy has painstakingly developed strategies to guide the sustainable use of our marine resources.
“These efforts, supported by partnerships with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and other stakeholders, include the finalization of policies on fisheries and aquaculture in collaboration with WorldFish. These critical contributions are vital inputs into the National Policy on Marine & Blue Economy.
“It is worth noting that Nigeria has achieved notable 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 of zero incidence of piracy in our waters. Nonetheless, the recurring spate of boat mishaps underscores the pressing need for immediate action.
“This policy seeks to implement comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of all waterways. However, challenges such as the spate of boat mishaps demand urgent attention, and this policy aims to establish comprehensive measures to 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 into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which underscores our determination to strengthen our voice in global maritime governance.
“Additionally, we are actively seeking private sector investment for port modernization, which is critical for boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness and attracting sustainable funding for the sector. These efforts are integral to ensuring that our policies translate into tangible progress and measurable outcomes.
“Our goal today and in the coming days is to critically evaluate the policy, ensuring that it addresses the needs of all stakeholders, incorporates global standards, and positions Nigeria as a regional leader in the blue economy.
“As we deliberate, let us embrace open and constructive dialogue. Your insights and expertise are vital for shaping a national policy that addresses critical issues such as safety, security, and sustain…
