The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved Nigeria’s first-ever National Marine and Blue Economy Policy.
The Media and Communications Adviser to the Minister, Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, recently announced that the policy will set a comprehensive ten-year roadmap for redeveloping the nation’s underutilised marine assets.
Speaking via a press statement released recently, Bolaji revealed that the policy will put Nigeria’s marine and coastal assets into better use until they are developed enough to guarantee economic growth and environmental stewardship.
According to him, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola believes the approval marks a new era for Nigeria’s future, since the policy has what it takes to trigger a major shift in our approach to oceans, seas, rivers, and inland waterways.
Oyetola stated that the policy will not just give the sector a much needed direction to the right destination, it will also offer a long-term implementation plan that will perfectly combine environmental protection and inclusive economic growth.
“The Federal Executive Council’s endorsement of this visionary policy signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s engagement with its marine and aquatic resources. It is not just a policy document; it is a bold declaration of intent.
This is not a top-down document. It is the outcome of patient dialogue, expert input, and stakeholder consensus. That is why we are confident in its impact.
Nigeria’s marine geography spans 853 kilometers of coastline and a network of inland waterways, which have long been underexploited. With the new policy in place, the government intends to tap into sectors like maritime trade, aquaculture, blue tourism, and clean ocean energy to diversify the economy and boost employment,” it read.
Oyetola further noted that the policy was formulated to work as a dynamic document that can easily evolve with tech progress, while also adjusting to the realities of global and local developments, seamlessly.
He then reaffirmed that the latest development reflects President Tinubu’s vision of a Nigeria that can benefit heavily from its natural resources, while protecting our delicate environment for generations yet unborn.
“We now have a policy that speaks to our aspirations and gives us the tools to achieve them. From maritime trade and aquaculture to blue tourism and clean ocean energy, this policy presents clear pathways to national development
Private sector investments are crucial for implementing the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy; we strongly encourage domestic businesses and international investors to direct investment into activities that help to grow the marine and blue economy in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) will be vital in mobilising the technical expertise and financial capital needed to unlock the full potential of this sector
This policy reflects Mr. President’s vision of a reimagined Nigeria, one that draws strength from its natural endowments while safeguarding the environment for future generations,” it added.
