Marine ministry unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential, says Oyetola
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has said the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s creation of a dedicated ministry for the sector is helping to unlock Nigeria’s marine resources for job creation, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Oyetola stated this on Tuesday at his 72nd birthday celebration held at his country home in Iragbiji, Osun State, where he thanked Almighty Allah for preserving his life and expressed appreciation to his family, friends and associates for celebrating with him.
He said Nigeria was blessed with abundant marine resources, including 853 kilometres of coastline and about 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways, stressing that the creation of the ministry was aimed at unlocking their economic potential.
“The essence of creating the ministry is to unlock the potentials and resources that we have, to create jobs, economic growth and environmental stability. We’ve done so well by every standard within the three years that the ministry has been created,” Oyetola said.
The minister said the ministry had developed a policy framework to guide investment opportunities in the marine and blue economy, while also making progress in maritime security and safety, including Nigeria’s admission into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after about 15 years.
Oyetola said efforts were ongoing to increase local fish production, noting that output had risen from about 1.3 million to 1.5 million, while measures such as advocacy, distribution of life jackets and replacement of rickety boats were being implemented to reduce boat mishaps on inland waterways.
On the ports, Oyetola said the government was modernising the country’s six existing ports to increase revenue and attract larger vessels, noting that the draft level was being increased from about 13 metres to 16 metres. He added that the modernisation covered Apapa, Tin Can Island, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports, among others.
Also speaking at the event, the APC governorship candidate in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, thanked Oyetola for his mentorship and support, praying that Almighty Allah would grant him longevity, good health, grace and blessings.
