By Abbas Nazil
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed the need for increased investment in maritime surveillance systems, law enforcement, aquaculture, and fishing infrastructure.
He also stressed the importance of combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 15 by Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Oyetola highlighted the marine sector’s vast economic potential.
He noted its capacity to drive job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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The minister urged agencies under the Ministry to prioritize oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy, and climate resilience technologies. These, he stated, should be central to their strategies in advancing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Oyetola also called for the alignment of 2025 budget proposals with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan.
He expressed optimism that the proposed budgets would significantly contribute to consolidating efforts to harness the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The statement said, Oyetola, who was speaking during a budget review session with agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and National Inland Waterways, underscored the importance of transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritization.
He stressed that every naira allocated must deliver measurable impact and serve as a catalyst for sustainable resource management and economic growth.
The minister described the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as more than a document, calling it a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which focuses on the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
Oyetola encouraged the agencies to align their strategies with national priorities, ensuring that budgetary allocations not only meet immediate operational needs but also lay a foundation for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
