The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has unveiled a draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which is aimed at fostering sustainability, innovation, and inclusive prosperity in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to the Minister, the policy document, once finalized, is expected to provide a roadmap for leveraging Nigeria’s marine resources to deliver long-term economic benefits while ensuring environmental stewardship.
The workshop which held in Lagos on Tuesday was opened by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Oyetola emphasized the policy’s potential to create jobs, attract private sector investments, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in the blue economy.
The Minister also underscored the critical role of the blue economy in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s vast maritime resources, including an 853-kilometer coastline, extensive inland waterways, and a rich exclusive economic zone.
According to the Minister, the draft policy, a nine-part document, aims to harness these resources across sectors like fisheries, maritime infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, and seabed mining while addressing challenges such as environmental degradation and illegal fishing.
The minister noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in maritime governance, achieving a three-year period free from piracy incidents and advancing port modernization efforts. These achievements, the Minister noted, enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness and align with the nation’s bid for Category ‘C’ membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Minister praised the collaborative effort behind the policy, which benefited from contributions by stakeholders, including the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, the Kingdom of Norway, and WorldFish. The draft policy emphasizes legal and institutional frameworks, maritime transport, fisheries, marine innovation, and cross-cutting issues like safety and security.
Participants in the workshop, including resource persons and industry leaders, were tasked with refining the policy to address stakeholder needs and align with global standards.
Outcomes from the deliberations will guide the finalization of a comprehensive national policy aimed at creating jobs, fostering private sector investments, and ensuring inclusive prosperity, particularly for women and youth.
“This workshop marks a milestone in Nigeria’s journey to becoming a regional leader in the blue economy. Let us seize this opportunity to craft a transformative policy that promotes sustainability, innovation, and growth for future generations.” said Minister Oyetola.
