The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, says the Federal Government is putting necessary measures in place to minimise boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola said this on Tuesday during a celebration of his 72nd birthday held at his country home, Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun.
He said the Federal Government was also taking steps to remove rickety boats from the nation’s waterways.
“In our inland waterways, we tend to minimise the issue of boat mishaps.
“We have done so much in the area of advocacy and distribution of life jackets.
“Again, we are increasingly trying to fish out rickety boats. One of the problems is that the boats being used are rickety and cannot carry many passengers.
“In addition, there is the problem of overloading, so we have to ensure that we reduce boat mishaps to the barest minimum,” he said.
On fisheries and agriculture, Oyetola said the government was also working to build capacity for local production.
According to him, many of the fish consumed in Nigeria are imported.
“Again, in the area of fisheries and agriculture, we intend to ensure that we develop capacity for local production.
“What we have done is to increase the capacity of fishermen. Right now, we have increased the production of fish in the country,” he said.
Oyetola commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to unlock the potentials and resources in the sector for job creation and economic growth.
The minister thanked God for allowing him to witness another year, and appreciated his family, friends and associates for celebrating with him.
Also speaking, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Aug. 15 governorship election, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, thanked Oyetola for his mentorship and support.
Oyebamiji prayed that God would continue to grant Oyetola good health, grace and blessings to witness many more celebrations.
