Blue Economy Has Evolved From Mere Concept To Strategic Priority – Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, said that the Blue Economy has evolved from a mere concept to a strategic priority, leading to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Tinubu.

This was as he expressed deep appreciation to the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway for their support toward the development of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document.

Oyetola made these statements in Abuja while delivering his opening address, at the Broad-based National Stakeholders’ Consultation, Validation Workshop and Development of the National Blue Economy Strategy For the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

According to the former Governor of Osun State, the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy signifies Nigeria’s firm commitment to sustainably harnessing its vast marine and aquatic resources.

His words: “On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I express my sincere appreciation to the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway for their unwavering support toward the development of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document. This document will serve as a roadmap for the sustainable development of the sector.

“Nigeria’s journey into the Blue Economy concept began as a direct outcome of the 2018 African Union Conference. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and in line with the commitment to sustainable economic diversification and his Renewed Hope Agenda, the Blue Economy has evolved from a mere concept to a strategic priority, leading to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“The establishment of this Ministry signifies Nigeria’s firm commitment to sustainably harnessing its vast marine and aquatic resources. Our focus includes boosting blue food production, creating jobs, building climate-resilient coastal communities, and ensuring prosperity and security for future generations. This commitment was further reinforced by the transfer of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year, placing all related activities directly under this Ministry’s purview.

“I am aware that the first National Consultative Workshop for formulating Nigeria’s Blue Economy Strategy was held from the 8th to 10th of April 2024, here in Abuja.

“At that event, stakeholders from various sectors came together to contribute valuable inputs and recommendations for shaping the future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Following that, AU-IBAR’s consultant collated all contributions into a draft strategy, which we gathered here today to review, validate, and finalize.

“This validation workshop is both timely and essential, as it comes at a period when the Ministry is focused on policy formulation, strategy development, governance harmonization, and institutional capacity building for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

“Nigeria is blessed with a vast coastline and diverse marine resources, with significant potential in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine transport, maritime security, renewable energy, and mineral resources.

“Unlocking the full potential of these sectors requires a strategic, sustainable approach, built on research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, including partnerships with organizations such as AU-IBAR, among others.

“To this end, Nigeria is embarking on an ambitious plan to upscale its blue economy through a diverse range of Initiatives. This initiative aims to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, by midwifing the establishment of quantum numbers of small and medium-sized enterprises within the next decade​ in the sector to create jobs. We are aligning with the Blue Belt Initiative, which is the sustainable use of our ocean resources to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods while preserving ocean ecosystems.

“The draft National Blue Economy Strategy represents Nigeria’s vision for a sustainable Blue Economy, and I urge all participants to critically review this document to ensure it addresses the nation’s priorities comprehensively. Your insights and contributions today will help shape actionable policies and frameworks for sustainable ocean and marine resource management.

“As a government, it is imperative to design regulatory frameworks that would govern the marine and blue economy sectors, and we look to this workshop as a platform to propose solutions that foster a sustainable Marine and Blue Economy.

“I encourage the private sector and investors to seize the massive opportunities presented by numerous government-led programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting business in the Marine and Blue Economy sectors.

“Finally, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to AU-IBAR and the Kingdom of Norway for their steadfast commitment to the success of this initiative. I also extend my appreciation to all the stakeholders present here today for their dedication to Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

“Your continued engagement and collaborative efforts are essential, not just today but as we move forward in turning our shared vision into reality. Together, we can unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, driving sustainable development, creating opportunities, and ensuring prosperity for generations to come.

“On behalf of the Government of Nigeria and the Ministry, I wish you all fruitful deliberations. It is on this note that I hereby declare this workshop officially open to the glory of God and the benefit of Nigerians.”