Securing Nigeria’s Maritime Future: Oyetola Validates National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, has hailed the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy as a transformative framework poised to enhance maritime governance and position the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic prosperity. This aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 for sustainable development.

Speaking at the second and final Executive Technical Validation Workshop for the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Oyetola emphasized the critical importance of the series of engagements that culminated in the policy framework. These workshops, he said, aim to redefine the maritime sector’s future and serve as a blueprint for advancing Nigeria’s marine economy.

Oyetola reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to creating an inclusive and well-rounded policy that addresses key issues in maritime governance. “This engagement aims to restore our priorities and solidify a framework for advancing the maritime sector over the next few years. A key factor in driving maritime development is the establishment of a strong policy framework,” he said.

He also underscored the sector’s potential to drive national prosperity, stressing that the policy’s implementation could position Nigeria as a global leader in the blue economy. Oyetola highlighted the Ministry’s collaborative approach, involving professionals, industry experts, academics, and researchers, as evidence of its dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, describing the workshop as a platform to consolidate the progress made during previous engagements. He emphasized the growing global economic relevance of the marine industry and the importance of finalizing a sustainable policy framework.

“This workshop is an opportunity to consolidate efforts and finalize a framework that will guide the sustainable growth of the blue economy in Nigeria,” Olufemi said. He also noted that the marine sector is increasingly becoming a focal point in global economic discussions and highlighted the policy’s forward-thinking approach as a pathway to harness the immense potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, expert insights, and case studies, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to addressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. With the validation of this policy, Nigeria takes a decisive step towards securing its maritime future and unlocking the vast potential of its blue economy.