Federal Government Collaborates with AU to Formulate Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy
In a bid to harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine resources and promote sustainable economic development, the federal government has embarked on a collaborative effort with the African Union (AU) through the African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to formulate a comprehensive Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a workshop held in Abuja yesterday, where key stakeholders convened to discuss crucial aspects of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Minister Oyetola emphasized the need to recognize and leverage the immense opportunities presented by Nigeria’s maritime resources. He noted that the establishment of the enhanced partnership committee on sustainable blue economy in Nigeria had paved the way for the creation of a strategic roadmap for the development of the national blue economy.
“This workshop comes at a time when we are harmonizing governance structures, developing strategies, and plans of action for promoting blue economy development initiatives,” Minister Oyetola stated. “This strategy document is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for harnessing the potential of our oceans while safeguarding its health for the present and future generations.”
The Minister underscored the importance of striking a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, citing challenges such as over-exploitation of marine resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change.
However, Minister Oyetola also highlighted the significant opportunities inherent in the blue economy. “The blue economy has the potential to drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty, particularly in coastal and island communities,” he remarked.
Through responsible utilization of the abundant resources found in Nigeria’s oceans, Minister Oyetola expressed optimism about discovering fresh avenues for economic growth, including fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
The collaborative effort between the federal government and the AU represents a crucial step towards harnessing Nigeria’s maritime potential for sustainable development and economic prosperity. As stakeholders continue to deliberate on Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy, the nation stands poised to unlock new opportunities and chart a course towards a vibrant and resilient blue economy.
