The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi has said that the Federal Government has pledged an alliance to the Africa Union (AU) on its blue economy strategy and maritime governance as a tool for sustainable development.
Amaechi also said government is more than ever before committed to participating effectively in the shaping of international ocean governance in the United Nations.
He said that the recent kick-off of the clean up of Ogoni land by President Muhammadu Buhari buttresses the seriousness the Federal Government attaches to keeping Nigerian environment and seas cleaner and safer.
The minister gave the commitment in a keynote address yesterday at the 2016 celebration of the African Day of the Seas and Oceans organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos tagged "Maritime Governance For Sustainable Development"
The African Day of the Seas and Oceans is set aside by AU yearly to create awareness among African states on the importance of the Seas and Oceans to African economy, and the need for Africans involvement in their global policy formations.
Amaechi who was represented by the Director of Maritime Safety and Security of the ministry, Mr. Dauda D.M said that government is embarking on bilateral and other multi lateral engagements with coastal neighbouring countries to achieve an improved and sustainable frame work on ocean governance.
According to him, ocean governance and blue economy is caring more for the oceans and seas, as well as knowing how to effectively govern Nigeria's maritime domain.
He said it is not enough to only maximise economic potentials but to also make the waters cleaner and safer.
"As we celebrate today, let us always remember that the Seas provide the fishes we eat, the oil and gas that sustain our economy, the means of transportation for over 95% of our trade. It contributes immensely to our power generation, agricultural irrigations and most importantly the moderation of our climate and weather"
"Let us always treat this important gift from God with care and respect, only this way can we develop a sustainable blue economy that would be passed from generation to generation" he said.
In his welcome address, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside urged maritime stakeholders to key into the 2050 Aim Strategy and Agenda 2063 of the AU to achieve a sustainable development in the maritime sector.
Peterside said that the implementation of the AU strategy will enhance security and safety in the African Maritime domain; minimise environmental damages; prevent criminal activities in the sea; promote and protect the interest of African Shippers, while enhancing Africa's competitiveness in international trade.
He pledged that NIMASA would continue to provide the enabling environment for the business of shipping to thrive.
"The agency therefore is soliciting for the support of stakeholders to move the industry forward"
"The agency considers the call by AU to celebrate the Day as very apt considering the fact that Africa's seas and Oceans represents major assets to accelerate the development of Africa's economy. It has become necessary for the African continent to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the blue economy"
"I wish to state that the blue economy is an ocean based economy including fishing, agriculture, tourism and ocean energy which contributes to human well being in an economically and environmentally sustainable way" he said
On her part, Minister for Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed commended the DG NIMASA's resolve to deal with international oil companies who flout Nigerian environmental laws and the Cabotage Law.
The minister who was represented by Mrs Adetutu Odunlami called for partnership between the ministry an NIMASA while lamenting that maritime activities and oil pollution are the major problems for Nigerian waters.
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