The Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) has urged Sen. Wasiu Sanni, the new Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, to push for autonomy of coastal maritime state.
The President, OAF, Mrs Violet Williams, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Williams, a blue economy professional and former member of the Board of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, also congratulated Sanni on his emergence as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport.
According to her, stakeholders are expecting a positive turnaround in the maritime industry, especially in line with the blue economy.
“This is because we are looking at 2030 actualisation of the establishment of blue economy in all maritime nation.
“Ghana is doing well on it, even Togo and so we expect that he as the new man with a background in agric, he should be able to push for the blue economy and autonomy of coastal maritime state.
“Looking at the 13 per cent oil derivation for the oil producing state, they are getting it and enjoying it.
“So, let the maritime state, the coastal communities enjoy the benefits of the coastal economy which is the blue economy,” she said.
She noted that it was a delight to have Sanni as the maritime game changer for all the coastal communities in Nigeria to be strategically positioned.
The 62-year old Sanni is the senator representing Lagos Central.
He previously served as the Deputy speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023.
OAF is an non-profit organisation geared toward enhancing awareness about maritime opportunities whilst building the next crop of elite Nigerian practitioners in the maritime sector via strategic mentorship programmes for secondary school students.
It works in partnership with government agencies and private organisations in the nation’s shipping sector while connecting school authorities, teachers and pupils in a holistic approach to stimulate interest in shipping among young ones.
