The African Union Commission has expressed its satisfaction with the Nigerian government’s commitment to utilise the marine and blue economy in boosting the economic growth of the country and Africa.
This was stated at the conclusion of the final validation workshop for the National Blue Economy Strategy of Nigeria, by the Head of Division, Blue Economy department of agriculture, Mr. Georges Asseko, in Abuja.
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resource, is mandated to support and coordinate the utilisation of livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife as resources for both human well being and economic development in the member States of the African Union.
It is against this back drop that the AU in collaboration with Nigerian ministry of Marine and Blue Economy organized a three day work shop which aims at coming up with a strategic plan that would be used as a foundation on which the country’s blue economy would be built.
At the end of the third and final day of the workshop, the AU commission’s approval of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy which fits in to the Africa blue economy strategy in terms of boosting gross domestic product was approved by the AU Head of Division, Blue Economy department of agriculture, Mr. Georges Asseko,
‘Nigeria, with its vast coastline, rich marine resources, and strategic location, is well-positioned to be a leader in Africa’s blue economy. This has been proven by the fast development of aquaculture value chains that make the country now at the second producer of aquaculture products per year. As this strategy moves from validation to implementation, there is a need for all stakeholders in Nigeria, namely government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, academic experts, and local communities, to actively contribute to the success of this strate’.
The minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola closed the workshop with emphasis on financial and infrastructural support as vital motivators to the success of the blue economy strategy,
‘Throughout the discussions, we have explored innovative strategies,
identified key challenges, and shared best practices in harnessing the potential of our marine and coastal resources.
This clearly demonstrates that our vision for a sustainable blue economy must be anchored in collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to sustainability.’
Nigeria is the first among countries to be evaluated by the AU commission. Other countries on their agenda are Angola, South Africa and Liberia
Olusola Akintonde
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