Adeyeye tasks Nigerians on harnessing blue economy for sustainable growth

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, has urged Nigerians to fully embrace President Bola Tinubu’s vision of the blue economy, describing it as a vital pathway to unlocking the nation’s economic potential.

Adeyeye made the appeal while delivering a lecture at the maiden public lecture of the Centre for Blue Economy and Innovation at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The lecture, which was held on Thursday, was themed “Imperative of the Blue Economy in Driving Nigeria’s Economic Development.”

According to him, the Blue Economy presents “an opportunity that can transform Nigeria’s economy into an engine of prosperity through strategic investment, strong governance, and sustainable practices.”

“Nigeria, with its over 853 km coastline, more than 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone, navigable inland waterways, and rich marine biodiversity, is uniquely placed to harness these resources. Yet, the sector remains largely underdeveloped,” he said.

The NPA chairman also stressed that “with our vast coastlines, offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy currently wasting away, Nigeria can generate cheaper, environmentally friendly, and reliable power for domestic consumption and even export to West African neighbours, thereby earning robust foreign exchange.”

In their remarks, Ondo State Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Adekola Falodun, and OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, aligned with Adeyeye’s position.

Ologunorisa disclosed that the university had keyed into Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through its School of Maritime Transport and Logistics while calling for the creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Resources in Ondo State.