Maritime Policy Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential—Oyetola

Maritime Policy Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Potential—Oyetola

By prince Benson Davies

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasizes the importance of a national policy on maritime and blue economy in guiding Nigeria’s development. He believes this policy will create a sustainable pathway for economic growth in various sectors, including fishing, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, and seabed mining, while ensuring environmental sustainability

Oyetola highlighted the need for a robust national policy to address challenges in the sector, such as environmental degradation and illegal activities like unreported and unregulated fishing. He emphasized that Nigeria has made significant progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols, resulting in three years with zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters

The minister also stressed the importance of private sector investment in port modernization to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and attract sustainable funding. He acknowledged the significance of partnerships with global and regional organizations in developing a robust policy framework.

In his words, “A robust national policy will ensure that we address these issues through a comprehensive framework that aligns with international best practices while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations.”.

“It is worth noting that Nigeria has achieved notable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification and domestication of international protocols and conventions. These measures have strengthened our safety and security framework, resulting in a remarkable three-year period with zero incidents of piracy in our waters. Nonetheless, the recurring boat mishaps underscore the pressing need for immediate action.

This policy seeks to implement comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of all waterways. However, challenges such as the recent spate of boat mishaps demand urgent attention. Consequently, this policy aims to establish comprehensive measures that will enhance safety across our waterways.