Oyetola: Nigeria to Align with Blue Belt Initiatives for Economic Growth

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday in Abuja, hinted that the federal government would align with Blue Belt Initiative, which has to do with the sustainable use of its ocean resources to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.

To this end, he said Nigeria was embarking on an ambitious plan to upscale its blue economy through a diverse range of Initiatives.

Oyetola, said this in his opening address at the Broad-based National Stakeholders’ Consultation, Validations Workshop and Development of the National Blue Economy Strategy for the country.

According to him, “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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.”

He noted that the establishment of the Ministry signifies Nigeria’s firm commitment to sustainably harnessing its vast marine and aquatic resources, stating: “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 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 are gathered here today to review, validate, and finalise.”

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

Oyetola explained that Nigeria was blessed with 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 require a strategic, sustainable approach, built on research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, including partnerships with organisations such as AU-IBAR, among others.

“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.

“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,” he added.