By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the maritime sector as a cornerstone of national economic growth.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the decision aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for sustainable development across the continent.
The Minister was speaking during the second and final executive technical validation workshop for the national policy on the marine and blue economy held in Abuja.
Describing the framework as a critical step toward positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the blue economy, Oyetola highlighted the importance of a robust policy framework to drive the sector’s development.
The minister noted that the series of validation workshops and stakeholder engagements conducted by the ministry underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to this vision.
These efforts, he explained, aim to lay the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive maritime economy, with the potential to transform Nigeria into a key player on the global stage.
Oyetola stressed that the maritime sector’s significance goes beyond economic growth, emphasizing its strategic role in achieving national goals and aligning with broader economic strategies.
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He pointed out that integrating marine and blue economy initiatives into Nigeria’s overarching economic agenda could unlock vast opportunities, ensuring long-term prosperity and inclusive growth.
According to him, the development of a strong policy framework is essential to restoring priorities and setting a clear path for advancing the sector over the coming years.
“The maritime sector holds the key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential,” Oyetola stated, maintaining, “A strong and comprehensive maritime policy is pivotal to establishing Nigeria as a global leader in the blue economy while addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities in a sustainable manner.”
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, echoed the minister’s sentiments, highlighting the growing global significance of the marine sector.
He underscored the importance of the final executive validation workshop in consolidating previous efforts and finalizing a policy framework that will guide Nigeria’s blue economy strategy.
Olufemi noted that the marine sector is increasingly recognized as an economic powerhouse, capable of transforming the fortunes of nations.
He expressed optimism about the workshop’s role in shaping Nigeria’s trajectory in this domain, stating, “This is a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the immense potential of our blue economy.”
The workshop brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry experts, academics, and researchers, to chart a sustainable path for maritime development. Participants reviewed the progress made during earlier engagements and provided critical input to refine the proposed framework.
Olufemi reiterated that the policy represents a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a leader in the blue economy and to enhance the sector’s contribution to national development.
