The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, emphasized that 350 million employment may be created in Nigeria through the blue economy.
According to The Times, during the NIMASA Special Day at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair, he made this statement while being represented by the Acting Coordinator of NIMASA, Abuja Office, Hajia Rakiya Lamai.
Jamoh emphasized the significant untapped potential of Nigeria’s underutilized blue economy, which includes marine resources like seafood and ship repair facilities.
He emphasized that NIMASA is committed to regulating marine activities and encouraging industrial growth with the help of cutting-edge technology, pertinent laws, and assistance from the government.
He said that “The blue economy has enormous potential because, if properly harnessed, it gives the country the prospects of 350 million new jobs.
“The utilization of ocean resources such as fish, prawns, and other marine foods have not been satisfactory, just as ship repairs are carried out in distant Turkey and neighbouring countries due to a lack of facilities at home.
“NIMASA is working to fulfill its mandate of regulating operations in the maritime industry with a combination of modern technology, relevant laws, support from the Federal Government, relevant agencies, and stakeholders, disbursement of CVFF Funds.”
Jamoh also promoted the development of new canals as a more alluring incentive than tax exemptions to draw FDI and private sector participation in maritime transport.
“While we wait for a comprehensive policy to get going, we must all work to promote the blue economy by being ‘Blue Ambassadors.
“The media, civil society, and other non-state actors all have a part to play in promoting wider national understanding and engagement in the blue economy, which is every Nigerian’s economy.
The Argungu Fishing Festival, among other ceremonial events, must be revamped and repackaged from the perspective of the blue economy, he added. “We must rethink our waters, we need a total rethink from a ceremonial view,” he said.
Dr. Jamoh further recommended using a Public Private Partnership as it is necessary for the development of a maritime cluster.
