By Yemi Olakitan
In order to ensure that the Blue Economy makes a significant contribution to the advancement of Nigerian society, key stakeholders in the marine industry have proposed new measures that should be followed.
They made this statement at the League of Maritime Editors’ (LOME) forum on “How to Achieve the Benefits of the Blue Economy,” which was conducted in Lagos.
The blue economy is currently functioning, but according to Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), it has to properly identify comparative advantages in order to determine what can be profitable and sustainable.
Isichie Osamgbi, Director of External Relations, who was a representative for Jamoh, urged participants in the industry and business owners to think of themselves as co-drivers.
He disclosed that, whereas the blue economy in Nigeria is still unfolding, it is at the stage where a collaboration of efforts must concentrate at optimizing the comparative advantages in order to remain competitive in the global space.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko represented by the Tin Can Island Port Manager, Jibril Buba, advocated enhanced capacities through deliberate policy and stakeholders’ actions necessary to drive the processes.
Bello-Koko said the authority has for a long time already prepared the grounds for its takeoff and consistent with the full realization is always providing the enabling environment through which the required efficiencies, competences and capacities can be developed and sustained.
The NPA boss commended LOME for the acquisition of its secretariat, which has been designed to also serve as Centre for Media Advocacy, noting that the place will serve as catalyst for positive change in the industry.
In his contribution, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Hon Emmanuel Jime represented by the Council’s Director Consumer Affairs Department, Chief Cajetan Agu, described blue economy, as having huge economic potentials that should be harnessed by all.
Describing Nigeria as a blessed country in terms of the abundance of Blue Economy, he said what is needed is to harness the potential of the blue economy.