By Muhammad Opeyemi
Lagos, June 17, ’25 (TNZ) The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) has urged the Federal Government to appoint the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as the Coordinating Minister for the Blue Economy.
TheNewsZenith reports that a Master Mariner, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu gave this recommendation during NAMM’s first quarterly paper presentation over the weekend in Lagos.
Ebubeogu said that a coordinating minister of the blue economy would ensure effective governance.
The Master Marner’s presentation is titled “Governance of Marine Spaces in a Marine and Blue Economy Model – Issues, Challenges and Approach”.
Ebubeogu, an expert in maritime governance, emphasised the increasing complexity and overlapping responsibilities of various government agencies operating within Nigeria’s marine environment.
He highlighted the need for a centralised leadership structure of the ministry.
Ebubeogu commended the Federal Government for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He also praised the government for the recent approval of the national marine and blue economy policy. He described it as a significant advancement.
The Master Mirinaer, however, noted that a more structured and authoritative governance framework is essential for Nigeria to harness the economic and ecological potential in its marine spaces.
He said the government should recognise the ministry as the coordinating body for the blue economy.
This is just as the Ministries of Finance and Health function as coordinating ministries for their respective sectors.
Ebubeogu said the growing complexity and overlapping mandates of various government agencies in Nigeria’s marine environment necessitate a centralised leadership structure.
According to him, ministries like the Ministries of Petroleum Resources, Agriculture, Water Resources, Communications, Power, and Interior have operational interests in marine spaces.
He said that without a designated coordinating authority, these overlapping interests could lead to policy conflicts, regulatory inefficiencies, and unsustainable practices.
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Ebubeogu advocated for a formal review of the ministerial designation.
He recommended that the title should change to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy/Coordinating Minister of the Blue Economy.
Ebubeogu said that changing to the recommended status would reflect on the leadership and necessary control for integrated marine governance.
According to the master mariner, effective coordination is essential for aligning national objectives. And, the principles of sustainability, economic growth, and environmental protection.
These, he added, are the key components of the blue economy framework.
He noted that the marine spaces served as a platform for blue economy activities, such as fisheries, tourism, marine transport, offshore energy, and aquaculture.
Similarly, the President of NAMM, Capt. Tajudeen Alao said such steps would be crucial for structuring and sustaining marine sector development in Nigeria.
“The meeting is to engage stakeholders and deepen public understanding of the evolving concept of the marine and blue economy.
“Nigerian Master Mariners are well-prepared to support the blue economy drive.
“They are advocating best practices, long before the term became mainstream locally,” TheNewsZenith quotes Alao as saying.
Responding to the recommendation on the appointment of a coordinating minister for the blue economy, the
NAMM President also aligned with the recommendation on the appointment of a Coordinating Minister for the Blue Economy. Alao described it as long overdue.
He emphasised the need for streamlined leadership. Alao added that the role of NAMM was to advise government, regulators, and stakeholders on the most sustainable approaches to maritime development. (TNZ)
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