The Minister, Marine & Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola and The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani in a group photograph with delegates from the Federal House of Representatives, Directors, Heads of agencies, during a retreat on the road map and strategic plan for the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy.
By Chidiebere Ugwu
Stakeholders and experts in the maritime sector converged Thursday in Abuja to develop a policy framework that will drive economic activities and operational plans in the sector.
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Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press and Public Relations, in a statement noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said the newly created ministry will reposition Nigeria as a premier maritime nation by using the potential of its blue economy to diversify revenue.
Oyetola who was addressing stakeholders of the maritime sector stated that the essence of the engagement was to spearhead the vision to harness the vast opportunity within the sector.
“We have the onerous task to work to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation by using the potential of its blue economy to diversify revenue, assure sustainable development, and cultivate environmental stewardship. Our aim today is to spearhead this vision to harness the vast opportunities within the country’s maritime and aquatic domains and lay the foundation upon which strong and sustainable institutions will be built and on which the maritime and blue economy sector will thrive.
The minister who took a cursory look at the times, enthused that “We are at a period in the nation’s history where we have to be innovative in harnessing the enormous potential for development that abounds in the country. It is imperative to state that this programme is part of steps towards the realisation of the objectives of government in the sector.”
Throwing a wake-up call at his audience composed mainly of members of the National Assembly wo oversight the new Ministry, Directors of his Ministry and Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, Oyetola said “As stakeholders in the sector, the responsibility lies on us to work with the government to forge a viable path towards the actualization of the opportunity created by the establishment of this Ministry.”
On her part, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Anjani revealed that the essence of the engagement was to produce an actionable and comprehensive roadmap that will guide the Minister’s operations.
Ajani enjoined participants at the retreat to put on their thinking caps, adding that the Ministry expects a well-thought out framework. “It is a strategic initiative to lay the foundation for a Ministry that will shape the future of our maritime sector. We are honoured to have the collective expertise of distinguished participants, including high-level government officials, private sector leaders, and esteemed partners, as we collectively craft the roadmap and strategic policy framework.”
The Permanent Secretary maintained that the policy formulation will help the newly established ministry navigate a seamless course in revenue generation.
Her words: ” The outcome of this programme is paramount: a well-defined roadmap that encapsulates our core objectives and a strategic policy framework that aligns with the global vision for sustainable blue economies. The policy we develop today will serve as a beacon, guiding the ministry’s activities to promote growth, environmental resilience, and social well-being.”
