By Chidi Ugwu
Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy aims to unlock the economic potential of fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy, significantly contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that this initiative will enhance food production, create jobs, and bolster climate resilience.
He noted that by tapping into the vast marine resources, Nigeria can foster inclusive growth while addressing environmental challenges, ultimately securing a sustainable future for its coastal communities..
The Minister reeled these benefits of the document during opening remarks at the Broad-based National Stakeholders’ Consultation, Validation Workshop and Development of the National Blue Economy Strategy for the Federal Republic Of Nigeria with the support of the African Union and Norway.
Declaring open the two-day workshop which is ongoing in Abuja, the Minister stated that the initiative aimed at finalizing Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy, in order to
unleash economic potential in fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy.
Oyetola urged stakeholders to engage critically with the draft strategy to ensure it aligns with national priorities for sustainable development and regulatory frameworks.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to developing a National Blue Economy Strategy, supported by AU-IBAR and Norway, stressing that the initiative aims to sustainably harness marine resources, enhance food production, create jobs, and build resilient coastal communities.
“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 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” he said.
