The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, says the ministry has taken strategic steps towards unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potential beyond oil and gas.
Oyetola said this in a keynote address to the 2nd Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus on Wednesday in Enugu.
The two-day conference is themed: “Navigating the Future: Anchoring Sustainability While Bridging the Gap Between Economic Growth and Marine Preservation.”
The minister, represented by the Director, Maritime Services, in the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, said that the ministry and its agencies were implementing programmes in marine environmental protection to combat pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
“As we chart this new course, sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community engagement must remain at the core of our initiatives.
“In line with this, the ministry has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the regulatory, legal, institutional and policy frameworks for the management and development of the sector.
“We have painstakingly devoted attention to the crafting of a sound policy framework to govern and direct the sector.
“We have ensured that both the process and outcomes are given diligent attention. Our approach has been to guarantee a comprehensive and holistic National Policy for the Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu is committed to harnessing the full potential of the marine economy for job creation and economic prosperity.
Oyetola noted that the ministry was leveraging private sector resources and technology to drive an agenda aimed at modernising the infrastructure and systems.
“Some of the initiatives included modernisation and reconstruction of the Western and Eastern Ports. This effort is expected to generate over 20,000 direct employment opportunities.
“Facilitation of the development of Fish Terminal/Harbour, Inland Dry Ports, modern shipyards, the establishment of a National Shipping Carrier, a host of digital platforms for the management of sector transactions; all through private sector led initiatives,” he added.
The minister said that the theme of the conference was relevant and significant and commended the Institute for its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in maritime space.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, noted that the country’s oceans and coastal zones were more than just resources but the lifeblood of global commerce, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.”
Ujam, represented by Prof. Ike Agbaeze, said that in an era of rapid industrialisation and environmental challenges, it demanded collective responsibility and determination of everyone to ensure that economic development did not destroy planet’s health, particularly the oceans and seas.
The vice chancellor lauded the institute and its management for pushing forward the frontier of scholarly knowledge and research on marine economy and opening up the sector for the benefit of all.
In a welcome address, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Florence Orabueze, noted that the rapid growth of the global economy had driven an increased demand for marine resources and maritime activities.
Orabueze said, “Our oceans, seas, and coastal zones are vital for international trade, energy, food security, and biodiversity; yet they face unprecedented pressures from overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.
“We must reconcile economic development with the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems.
“This conference serves as a dynamic platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue and develop strategies that balance economic progress with marine conservation.
Highlights of the event included a Lead Paper titled: “Blue Economy – New Opportunities for Nigeria”, presented by Prof. Christian Madu, a renowned global Professor of Environment and Climate Change
There was also Fellowship Awards of the Institute conferred on the Minister and former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, among others.
