Marine and Blue Economy minister Adegboyega Oyetola
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has highlighted the achievements recorded by the ministry since its creation, saying the Federal Government is working to unlock Nigeria’s vast marine resources for economic growth, job creation and environmental sustainability.
Oyetola, who spoke while reflecting on his birthday, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving his life and thanked his family, friends and associates for celebrating him.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a dedicated ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy, noting that Nigeria is endowed with vast marine resources that have the potential to contribute significantly to the national economy.
According to him, Nigeria has about 853 kilometres of coastline and thousands of kilometres of inland waterways, describing the resources as assets that must be properly harnessed.
He said, “The essence of creating the ministry is to unlock the potentials and resources that we have, to create jobs, economic growth and environmental stability.”
Oyetola said the ministry had recorded significant progress within its first three years, beginning with the development of a comprehensive policy framework to guide investment opportunities in the marine and blue economy.
He said the policy, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, provides a framework for developing the sector and attracting investment.
The minister also highlighted progress in maritime security and safety, noting that Nigeria was admitted into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after about 15 years of efforts.
He described the development as a significant achievement that had eluded the country for many years.
On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said the ministry was working to strengthen local production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish.
He disclosed that domestic fish production had increased from about 1.3 million metric tonnes to approximately 1.5 million metric tonnes, attributing the improvement to efforts to build the capacity of local fishermen and other stakeholders.
On inland waterways, the minister said the ministry was intensifying measures to reduce boat mishaps through public awareness campaigns and the distribution of life jackets.
He added that the government was also working to identify and remove rickety boats from the waterways, noting that the use of unsafe vessels and overloading were among the factors contributing to boat accidents.
“We are increasingly trying to fish out rickety boats. One of the problems is that the boats being used are rickety boats that cannot carry many passengers, and there is the problem of overloading. So, we had to ensure that we reduce boat mishaps to the barest minimum,” he said.
On port development, Oyetola said the government was modernising the country’s existing seaports to improve efficiency and retain cargo that was being diverted to neighbouring countries.
He explained that the current draft levels at some Nigerian ports, which he put at about 13 metres, were insufficient to attract some large vessels, which require draft levels of between 16 and 18 metres.
According to him, efforts are therefore ongoing to increase the draft level to about 16 metres.
He said the modernisation programme was not limited to the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, but also covered the ports in Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was supporting the development of additional deep-sea ports, noting that Lekki Deep Sea Port was currently the country’s major operational deep-sea port.
He explained that a port generally requires a draft of at least 16 metres to effectively accommodate large vessels.
Oyetola further disclosed that he witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a deep-sea port in the state, with a proposed draft of not less than 18 metres.
He said the project, when completed, would improve port efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time and stimulate trade and other economic activities.
“The implication of that is that it is going to bring efficiency to the port. The turnaround time for vessels will be reduced, and there will be a lot of activities in terms of trade,” he said.
Oyetola reiterated his appreciation to President Tinubu for establishing a dedicated ministry for the Marine and Blue Economy, saying the initiative would help unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
