By Opeyemi Muhammed
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has re-echoed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing port infrastructure for economic prosperity.
TheNewsZenith reports that Oyetola gave this assurance at the Second “Ehingbeti Blue Economy” project and Book Launch at the weekend in Lagos.
The title of the book launched is ‘’The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in the Lagos Blue Economy’’.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), represented the minister at the event.
Oyetola said improving port infrastructure remained a priority for the ministry under his leadership.
“As the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we will focus on enhancing port infrastructure and developing robust marine and blue economy policy and implementation plan.
“We will strengthen regulatory frameworks that will spur growth in the maritime sector.
“Unregulated fishing and unreported fishing will be a thing of the past.
“We will also focus on enhancing Nigerian’s maritime security capabilities and sustainable blue economy investment, using the PPP model to drive investment,” TheNewsZenith quotes the Minister as saying.
He added that the ministry would build synergy with all relevant stakeholders, and create job opportunities in the maritime sector.
The minister, however, highlighted some challenges militating the operation of the ministry.
“The maritime domain is facing some challenges.
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“These are infrastructure decay, high cost of shipping, environmental degradation, physical alteration and destruction of marine and coastal habits.
The minister also remarked that the “Ehingbeti” demonstrated a collective dedication to advancing Nigeria’s new economy.
According to him, it is unblocking the full potential of coastal and marine resources.
“The maritime activities in Lagos laid the foundation for the growth and development that we are all witnessing today.
“Lagos has always been a leader in Nigeria’s economic development.
“We must recognise the critical role of the blue economy in shaping the future of Lagos and indeed Nigeria.”
In her welcome address, the conveyer of the programme and President of the Ocean Ambassador Foundation, Mrs Violet Williams, spoke on the importance of the book launch.
Williams said the book serves as a blueprint for the implementation and sustainability of the blue economy.
“This is the second edition. Last year, we proposed the creation of a blue economy ministry in Nigeria in July.
“And in August, we had the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“By the time policymakers go through this book, they will have all it takes for sustainability and the new economy in Nigeria,” she said.
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