By Bisola Adeyemo
Former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, says some government agencies, multilateral and financial institutions had already expressed willingness to advance the beneficial impact of the blue economy.
Peterside disclosed this at the inauguration of the Blue Economy Co-ordinating Group formed by the Blue Economy Resources Nigeria Ltd., in Lagos on Thursday.
Blue economy is a term in economics relating to the exploitation, preservation and regeneration of the marine environment.
He said that the Blue Economy Co-ordinating Group existed to drive collaboration as well as integration, promote the sector and champion a coordinated approach to the pursuit of the blue economy agenda.
“I consider it a great privilege and honour to inaugurate this group. It is a historic and significant moment in our quest as a nation to optimise the benefits of the blue economy sector.
“The question which we must ask ourselves and provide answers to is why this group. And I will try and give my perspective.
“First, it is an acknowledgement that government alone cannot achieve our vision of a vibrant blue economy sector that addresses the issue of sustainable development without the private sector.
“The responsibility of optimising the benefits of blue economy is a shared responsibility between the government, private sector, civil society community, professionals and other actors in the sector,” he said.
The group members are: Hajia Lami Tumaka as Chairman, Mr Ojiji Onya as Managing Director, Alhaji Suleiman Adams and Alhaji Dikko Bala as Executive Directors, Environews reports.
Others are: HRM Munir Ja’afaru, Mr Temisan Omatseye, Sen. Grace Bent, Mrs Jean Chiazor-Anishere (SAN), Cdre. Daniel Atakpa of Nigerian Navy, Mr Michael Onuoha as members.