By Obiabin Onukwugha
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinibu, has ushered in a new era of economic growth and maritime development with the unveiling of his carefully selected cabinet.
The president on Wednesday appointed Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to spearhead the dynamic Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
The assignment of portfolios came after the Senate’s confirmation of 48 ministerial nominees successfully screened by the Red chambers, last week.
The establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, a bold move aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
This visionary undertaking reinforces President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic diversification.
Born on the 1st of May, 1982, Tunji-Ojo. Sd1 from Akoko North-West, Ondo State, and boasts a distinguished career spanning over seventeen years in both public and private sectors.
His expertise in project management and strategic consultancy, combined with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the esteemed Obafemi Awolowo University, underscores his remarkable qualifications.
Tunji-Ojo also holds certifications in eighteen professional qualifications, including the prestigious title of being one of the first set of Certified Ethical Hackers from Royal Britannia Training Academy in the United Kingdom before he turned 24 years.
Before venturing into politics, the newly appointed minister of the Marine and Blue Economy consulted for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) (Management) Board, amongst others.
In 2019, he was elected into the House of Representatives to represent Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency of Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an oversight function as Chairman, House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Tunji-Ojo led the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC to probe the alleged misappropriation of over 80 billion Naira in the commission, making it the first time a probe will be launched into the financial activities of the NDDC in its over twenty years of existence.
As Federal Lawmaker, the newly appointed Minister also sponsored several bills, which include Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to help attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through a well-articulated and coordinated incentive to prospective investors.
In collaboration with the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Tunji-Ojo pioneered the first Nigerian Content Workshop (NCW) in 2016, a forum for all stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Industry to discuss freely on the Policy Framework to improve indigenous participation and making use of the Nigerian Content Policy to domicile the best global productivity and performances in Nigeria.
From the foregoing, therefore, the appointment of Tunji-Ojo to drive the Nigerian blue economy can be described as the popular square peg in a square hole.
The newly appointed minister is therefore expected to employ his wealth of experience and expertise to drive the sector as Nigeria grapples for economic recovery.
One major agency under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry is the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA).
Currently, the agency drives a project under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, otherwise known as the Deep Blue project.
The Project, which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Federal Ministry of Defence under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is being implemented by NIMASA to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea.
It is the first integrated maritime security strategy in West and Central Africa with the aim of tackling the incidences of piracy, sea robbery, and other crimes at sea with three categories of platforms to tackle maritime security on land, sea, and air.
The newly appointed minister, will therefore be expected to collaborate with neighbouring countries along the gulf of guinea, using the Navy and other relevant security agencies to combat crimes along the Nigerian waterways in order to make the Nigerian water borders safe for business.
Also, Tunji-Ojo will be faced with the task of optimally utilising the various sea and dry ports across the country to drive the economy through import and export trades.
Among such sea ports are the Lekki Deep Seaport, the Onne Port Complex, the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Port Harcourt, and the Kaduna Inland Dry Port.
While the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Onne Port Complex are thriving, the NPA also known as Rivers Port Complex begs for attention as it is being under-utilized and almost in a state of moribund.
Also, three years after the inauguration of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port in 2018, it is yet to commence full operations.
In the hands of Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s blue economy holds the promise of transformation and prosperity.
As he navigates the uncharted waters of this vital sector, his visionary leadership is set to chart a course towards sustainable economic development and international prominence.