Plans in Place to Advance Marine, Blue Economy, says Oyetola
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has highlighted that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, plans are in place to advance Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
Speaking during the 2024 World Maritime Day (WMD) celebrations in Lagos, the Minister, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, emphasized the need to upscaling the country’s maritime infrastructure in line with modern trends.
Part of this commitment will include digitizing and automating port operations to enhance safety and reduce costs, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development in the industry.
He said: “Key among the initiatives of the Ministry are digitalization and automation of port operations to enhance safety, security, and efficiency as well as performance optimization to reduce costs and increase reliability, and the adoption of innovative practices to propel our industry towards sustainable development,” he said.
On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for renewed efforts towards safety, innovation, and sustainability, assuring that NIMASA is committed to shaping a sustainable future for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Let us renew our dedication for safety, innovation and stewardship in the maritime sector. Together, we can navigate a safer future for our maritime industry,” Mobereola stated.
Engr. Israel Obadan, President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), praised the efforts of NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy in securing the nation’s maritime domain, while Mr. Aminu Umar, MD/CEO of Sea Transport Services, urged the industry to continue encouraging youth to explore career opportunities in maritime vocations.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and scholarships to secondary and tertiary students who excelled in essay competitions on the Blue Economy, sponsored by NIMASA.
Former Minister of Interior Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who presented the awards, lauded the students for their hard work, encouraging them to see their success as a testament to diligence.
World Maritime Day has been celebrated globally since 1978 to promote shipping safety, maritime security, and the preservation of the marine environment, underscoring the mission of the International Maritime Organization.
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