By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has stated that the presence of plastics in Nigerian waterways pollute the water bodies and cause significant obstacle to international trade.
This is as the agency also stated that the Blue Economy sector has the potential to generate N2.5trillion for the country if well harnessed.
Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju, stated this at a one-day workshop titled “The Coastal State of Rivers and Benefits of the Blue Economy: Stakeholders’ Perspective”, organised by the agency in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, recently.
She noted that 80% of imported goods and services into the country come via water transportation.
The NIS boss commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as timely.
Adepoju, however, called on the federal government to address the issue of plastic pollution in order to optimize opportunities that the Blue Economy presents.
“N2.5tn can accrue to Nigeria from the blue economy. The oceans is 72 per cent of the world covered by bodies of water. The seabed – 90 per cent of the deposit, is yet to be explored, while 2.2 million species are yet to be discovered by experts.
“It is very important in the sustainability of the economy of this country in the area of ‘blue economy’ and its derivatives,” Adepoju stated.
Earlier, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, thanked the NIS for the workshop, pointing out that the blue economy can bring the desired economic development to Nigeria.
Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured of the state government’s dedication to implement recommendations from the workshop.