Nigeria to unlock maritime potential with National Blue Economy Policy by 2025 – Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced plans to harness Nigeria’s maritime resources through a comprehensive national policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

Oyetola revealed that the draft of the validated policy would be submitted to the National Assembly by January 2025 for legislative approval and speedy enactment.

He emphasized that the federal government is committed to transforming the maritime sector into a key driver of national prosperity in alignment with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

Speaking at the final technical validation workshop on the policy in Abuja, Oyetola said, “This strategic initiative reflects President Tinubu’s determination to unlock the vast potential of our marine resources, expand opportunities beyond land-based development, and establish this sector as a key driver of national prosperity.”

He stressed that a strong policy framework is essential to maritime development, adding that Nigeria is aligning with other African nations in adopting strategies that maximize blue economy opportunities.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oloruntola, described the policy as a forward-thinking approach to economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

“Nigeria is uniquely positioned to benefit from its vast marine resources, and it is through policies like this one that we can unlock these opportunities,” Oloruntola stated.

He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering investment, driving innovation, and ensuring the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mrs. Kalthum Ibrahim, highlighted that the blue economy encompasses sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, blue energy, and maritime transport, all capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods across the country.