The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed that the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy will enhance maritime governance and support the achievement of the Africa 2063 Agenda.
The Agenda 2063 targets a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and climate-resilient economies.
Speaking at the Executive Technical Validation Workshop of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja, the minister said redefining and producing a formidable framework would serve as a blueprint to advance Nigeria’s maritime sector.
In a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the marine ministry, Muhammad Zakaria, the minister assured that a series of validation workshops and engagements over the past few months “affirms and further reflects the ministry’s dedication and commitment to the growth and development of the sector.
“This engagement aims to restore our priorities and solidify a framework for advancing the maritime sector over the next few years,” the statement added.
The minister further reiterated that driving maritime development and strengthening its bond with the blue economy can only be achieved through the establishment of a strong policy framework.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, also emphasised that the workshop was an opportunity to consolidate efforts and finalize a framework to guide the sustainable growth of the blue economy in Nigeria.
He explained that recent trends have shown the growing significance of the marine sector in global discourse.
“As we face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, this policy represents a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the immense potential of our blue economy,” Olufemi said.