The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has hailed the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as an inclusive framework to strengthen maritime governance.
He stated that the policy aims to position the sector as a key contributor to national prosperity, in alignment with the sustainable development goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The Head of Press & Public Relations at the marine ministry, Muhammad Zakaria, said in a statement that Oyetola disclosed this at the second and final leg of the Executive Technical Validation Workshop of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja.
He noted that the series of validation workshops and engagements in the last few months are aimed, “at redefining and producing a formidable framework that will serve as a blueprint to advance Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Oyetola recognized the ministry’s vision for the marine and blue economy sector, which led to the gathering of professionals, including industry experts, academics, and researchers.
“This affirms and further reflects the ministry’s dedication and commitment to the growth and development of the sector,” Oyetola said.
Recognizing the maritime domain as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s future economy, Oyetola emphasized the need to strengthen the connection between the marine and blue economy sectors and the nation’s economic growth.
He noted that an inclusive maritime policy positions Nigeria as a global leader in the blue economy.
“This engagement aims to restore our priorities and solidify a framework for advancing the maritime sector over the next few years,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, stated that the final executive validation workshop was aimed at emphasizing the gains and achievements of the previous engagements.
Oloruntola added that the marine industry is rapidly gaining economic significance and transforming the fortunes of nations globally.
“This workshop is an opportunity to consolidate those efforts and finalize a framework that will guide the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy in Nigeria. Over the past few months, we have witnessed the growing significance of the marine sector in global discourse.
“As we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, this policy represents a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the immense potential of our blue economy,” he stated.
