By Seun Ibiyemi
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on the media to play a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mr. Babatunde Sule, at the Annual General Meeting of the League of Maritime Editors in Lagos, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the press in realizing the full potential of the country’s maritime sector.
He described the media as an essential partner in driving public awareness and accountability as the Ministry embarks on transformative initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
Oyetola highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a monumental step towards harnessing the vast untapped potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership, which led to the establishment of the Ministry.
According to the Minister, this decision reflects the President’s deep understanding of the economic opportunities within the sector and his determination to ensure Nigeria reclaims her rightful position as a key maritime player on the global stage.
“The maritime industry holds the promise of transforming Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods,” Oyetola stated.
He noted that with her rich coastline and strategic location, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a major hub for maritime activities in Africa.
The establishment of the Ministry underscores the government’s commitment to building a future where the blue economy plays a significant role in national prosperity.
Oyetola outlined the Ministry’s strategic goals, which include improving port efficiency, enhancing infrastructure, boosting maritime security, and developing a skilled workforce.
He also emphasized the need for sustainable practices to leverage maritime resources, create jobs, increase revenue, and promote environmental stewardship.
Addressing the role of the media, Oyetola stressed the importance of their contribution in shaping public perception and ensuring that critical issues in the maritime sector are brought to the forefront.
He encouraged the League of Maritime Editors to continue highlighting the opportunities within the sector, showcasing successes, and holding both public and private stakeholders accountable.
The Minister commended the League for its efforts in bringing attention to the challenges and opportunities within the maritime sector and urged them to remain engaged in reporting on ongoing reforms and initiatives.
“We rely on you to amplify the message that the maritime sector has the potential to significantly boost our GDP, create millions of jobs, and open new avenues for investment and innovation,” Oyetola remarked.
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to providing accurate information to support the media in keeping the public informed about the sector’s developments.
Oyetola further reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating with all stakeholders, particularly the media, to build a globally competitive and sustainable maritime industry.
He expressed optimism that, with continued support, the blue economy would become a major source of growth and opportunity for Nigeria, driving national prosperity and economic transformation.