The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) has a crucial role to play in fully harnessing the country’s economic potential, the Drector-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, has said.
Jamoh made the remarks while delivering a paper at a seminar organised by the NIIA.
His paper is titled: “Opportunities and Challenges in Harnessing the Blue Economy”.
The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.
The theme of the seminar is “Safety, Security and Development in Nigeria’s Maritime Domain: Problems, Strategies and Prospects”.
Jamoh said that collaboration among government agencies and organised private sector would accelerate the gains of blue economy in Nigeria.
He noted that the successes of the Deep Blue Project hinged on collaboration.
“Our task at NIMASA is to explore how Nigeria can maximise the benefits derivable from our Blue economy.
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“This concept of the blue economy, which gained prominence a few years ago requires local, regional and international collaborations to manage critical factors.
“The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs should play a role in advising the government on policies, which will facilitate the realisation of the blue economy,” he said.
The DG noted that with the Deep Blue project, cooperation and collaboration will yield great results.
“This is why I appreciate the participation of the EFCC, Nigeria Customs and Nigerian Navy in the seminar,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae acknowledged the progress made in securing the Nigerian maritime domain.
Osaghae highlighted the importance of the blue economy globally and called for the sustainable use of ocean resources.
“When considered in economic terms, global blue economy will be the seventh largest in the world, which highlights its importance.
“As such, sustainable use of the blue economy should form the core of any government policy formulation,” he said.
NIIA is Africa’s foremost foreign policy think tank aimed at assisting governments in creating a secure and prosperous world.
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