The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can achieve rapid progress if it works hand in hand with various sectors of the economy especially when the private sector is actively incorporated.
This was stated in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital by the Africa Union Commission team leader, Mr. Georges Assekko during the final validation of the draft national economy strategies and subsequent implementation workshop of the marine and blue economy sector.
Present at the workshop was the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola who pointed out that the ministry was created to enable the Nigerian government utilize the immense opportunities in the aquatic sector of the economy.
Mr. Adegboyega noted that Nigeria’s journey into the Blue Economy concept began as a direct outcome of the 2018 African Union Conference under the present administration in Nigeria, being in line with the government’s commitment to sustainable economic diversification which has now risen the blue Economy from a mere concept to a strategic priority,
‘As a government, it’s imperative to design regulatory frameworks that will govern the marine and blue economy sectors and we look to this workshop as a passport to propose solutions and foster a sustainable blue economy sector in Nigeria.
I encourage the private sector and investors to see these massive opportunities presented by numerous government programmes and initiatives as a way promoting business in the marine economy sector’
The African Union team leader, Mr. Georges Assekko gave a breakdown of questions the ministry should provide answers to if the blue economy intends to achieve global success in the marine sector,
‘what role the private sector can play in financing the transition to inclusive sustainable blue economy in Nigeria, and in ECOWAS region,in the context of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, how to connect the strong and dynamic diasporas of Nigeria to the blue business opportunity, what communication strategy to put in place to raise awareness on the blue sector and its opportunity for women, youth and local community, the last question is, what is the road map to kick start implementing the blue economy strategy in Nigeria’
The workshop is also a platform for ensuring that all economic benefits tapped from the marine industry is friendly to its ecosystem.
Olusola Akintonde
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