Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that shipping, marine tourism, safety and security are top of the agenda of his administration as Minister of the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue economy.
Speaking during his working visit to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, where he met with the top management staff of the agency, the Minister said the time has come for Nigeria to fully harness its vast potentials in the maritime sector, noting that the working visit was to ascertain and properly appraise the situation of things with a view of taking practical steps and measures towards addressing them.
The Minister noted that it was time for Nigeria to float a National Carriers, stressing that through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement, and the support of stakeholders, such a plan would be achieved in the interest of the maritime industry and Nigeria as a whole.
The Minister averred that management of the resources of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy entailed proactive, smart and strategic thinking. He called for the rediscovery, harnessing and packaging of the nation’s maritime resources, including seafood, in line with all associated international standards and specifications.
Oyetola, who bemoaned foreign dominance of the shipping and fishing industry, assured that under his watch it will no longer be business as usual, stressed that safety and security of the maritime corridors of Nigeria was a priority area in his agenda for the ministry, noting that without safety and security, there can never be a meaningful achievement in the industry.
He added that with the rich endowments of her marine and blue economy, Nigeria had no justification not to develop marine tourism, which is a revenue-spinner for most countries, especially at the period when diversification of the economy from oil was sacrosanct.
Oyetola commended the Management of NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Jamoh, for his grit and determination in ensuring that the Agency fulfils its mandates noting that he had full confidence in the capabilities and dedication of the Agency’s management team.
The minister added that he looked forward to witnessing the continued success of NIMASA in shaping the future of the country’s maritime sector, reiterating that together, a thriving marine and blue economy that benefits everyone can be actualised.
Jamoh, in his opening remarks, welcomed the Minister to the Agency, declaring that his appointment was unique and timely.
