The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has restated the commitment of the federal government to enhancing port infrastructure.

The minister restated the commitment in his speech at the Second Ehingbeti Blue Economy Project and Book Launch at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

The title of the book is ‘’The Renaissance of Ehingbeti in the Lagos Blue Economy’’.

Represented by the director general (DG), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, Mr Oyetola said improving port infrastructure remained a priority for the ministry.

“As a ministry of marine and blue economy, we are going to be focused on enhancing port infrastructure, developing robust marine and blue economy policy and implementation plans.

“We will be focused on strengthening regulatory frameworks that will spur growth in the maritime sector, fishing illegal unregulated and unreported fishing will be a thing of the past.

“We will also focus on enhancing Nigeria’s maritime security capabilities, sustainable blue economy investment using PPP model to drive investment.

“We will build synergy with all relevant stakeholders and most importantly, create job opportunities and employment in the maritime sector,” he said.

He, however, said that there were challenges to everything, adding that the maritime domain was facing a number of challenges.

“These challenges are infrastructure decay, high cost of shipping, environmental degradation, physical alteration and destruction of marine and coastal habits.

“Others are climate change, sea level rise, pollution, both land based and marine unsustainable extractions from marine resources such as unsustainable fishing and unfair trade practices,” he said.

He said that the blue economy sought  to promote growth, social inclusion and preservation of livelihoods, while ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans and coastal areas.

“It covers a number of maritime activities, which include shipping, tourism, fishing, maritime transport, sea bay exploration, marine biotechnology, marine prospecting, among others,” he said.

The minister said that the Ehingbeti demonstrated the collective dedication to advancing Nigeria’s new economy and unblocking the full potential of  coastal and marine resources.

“The maritime activities in Lagos laid the foundation for the growth and development that we are all witnessing today.

“Lagos has always been a leader in Nigeria’s economic development.It  is essential that we recognise the critical role of the blue economy in shaping the future of Lagos and indeed Nigeria.

“This role of the blue economy offers a new paradigm shift, one that moves beyond the traditional exploitation of marine resources to a holistic and sustainable approach that considers environmental, social and economic impacts,” he said.

He added that the relevant roles of key parastatals under his ministry underscored the importance of collaboration to improve port operations, enhance maritime safety and security.

“The collaboration will also ensure the sustainable management of maritime resources, we must come together to protect and preserve our ocean resources.

“Lagos is a hub of business innovation and economic growth and the resonance of anybody will continue to foster the economic growth and address social economic challenges,” he said.

The conveyer of the programme and president, Ocean Ambassador Foundation, Violet Williams, said that the reason for the book launch was to have a blueprint for the implementation and sustainability of the blue economy.

“This is the second edition. Last year July, when we had the first Ehingbeti programme, we proposed the creation of a blue economy ministry in Nigeria in July and in August, we had the marine and blue economy.

“By the time policymakers go through this book, they will have all it takes for sustainability and the new economy in Nigeria,” she said.

The highlight of the event was presentation of awards to top players  in the marine industry.

Present at the event were top brass in the marine industry, the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom; Oba Maroof Amodu-Tijani, Prince Tajudeen Olusi,among others.

(NAN)