Nigeria Launches National Blue Economy Strategy Development
Oru Leonard
Abuja, Nigeria – The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has kicked off a three-day broad-based national stakeholders’ consultation, validation workshop, and development of the National Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria. The event, held at Abuja Continental Hotel from October 14-16, 2024, aims to harness Nigeria’s vast marine and aquatic resources for sustainable development.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway for their support in developing Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document. This document will serve as a roadmap for the sector’s sustainable development.
Nigeria’s blue economy journey began after the 2018 African Union Conference, and under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, it has become a strategic priority, leading to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy . The Ministry focuses on boosting blue food production, creating jobs, building climate-resilient coastal communities, and ensuring prosperity and security for future generations.
Focus of the workshop will be in Key Areas: Fisheries and Aquaculture: Boosting production and creating jobs,
– Marine Transport: Developing sustainable transportation systems
-;Maritime Security: Ensuring safe and secure coastal communities
– Renewable Energy: Harnessing ocean resources for energy generation
– Mineral Resources: Sustainable exploration and extraction
Expected Outcomes:
– Contribution to Nigeria’s GDP through small and medium-sized enterprises
– Creation of jobs and opportunities in the marine and blue economy sectors
– Sustainable development and preservation of ocean ecosystems
The Minister encouraged stakeholders to critically review the draft National Blue Economy Strategy and propose solutions for a sustainable Marine and Blue Economy. He also invited the private sector and investors to seize opportunities presented by government-led programs and initiatives.
With Nigeria’s vast coastline and diverse marine resources, this initiative has the potential to drive inclusive growth, alleviate poverty, and ensure prosperity for generations to come.
