The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju, has disclosed that if the Blue Economy is used effectively, Nigeria has the potential to produce N2.5 trillion.
According to The Times, she stated the fact that 80% of products and services entered the country by water transportation and expressed worry about the contamination of waterways, which poses a substantial barrier to global trade.
In his remarks at a one-day workshop in Port Harcourt on Monday, Adepoju discussed “The Coastal State of Rivers and Benefits of the Blue Economy: Stakeholders’ Perspective.”
Adepoju praised Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at the appropriate time.
“Nigeria might gain N2.5 trillion from the blue economy. 72% of the world’s land surface is covered by oceans. 90% of the deposit is on the seabed, which has not yet been examined, and 2.2 million new species have not yet been identified by scientists.”
According to the head of NIS, Nigeria must first address “pollution from spillages, dumped plastics, and other insoluble materials that upset the aqua and marine resources” in order for the government to maximize the untapped potential of the Blue Economy.
The “blue economy” and its derivatives are crucial to the viability of this country’s economy, Adepoju continued.
The governor of Rivers State, Siminilayi Fubara, stated his optimism that the workshop would serve as a catalyst for the change that was intended to strengthen the country’s economy and boost its domestic revenue.
On behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, presided over the workshop urging participants to get the most out of what they are learning and assuring them that the state government would do everything in its power to put the workshop’s recommendations into action.
President Bola Tinubu launched the Marine and Blue Economy in an effort to diversify the nation’s economy away from its lone source of revenue, oil. A former governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, is in charge of the Ministry.
The abundant maritime resources of the country are reportedly exploited by the ministry as part of the overall national economic plan.
Nigeria’s coastline contains a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and stretches for 420 nautical miles.
Nigeria may become a global leader in sustainable maritime operations by utilising its marine resources to generate employment. It will also aid in diversifying the nation’s largely oil-based economy.
