Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called for an enhanced role in unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
In a compelling address delivered at the 2024 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day, the Honourable Minister emphasized the crucial role of dockworkers in harnessing Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
The Minister who was represented by Olujimi Oyetomi, Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy underscored the current administration’s commitment to optimizing the marine and blue economy sectors. He reiterated that these efforts aim to enhance productivity, create job opportunities for youths, and boost revenue generation and GDP, which are critical for sustainable development.
The Minister expressed deep appreciation for the event organizers, SCAN, and their dedication to the welfare and capacity building of dockworkers. He assured attendees of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s ongoing support and collaboration in these endeavors.
Oyetola further emphasized the vital role of the maritime sector in Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The Ministry, he said, is focused on the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that its agencies implement projects and programs aligned with presidential directives. A significant milestone, he noted, was the recent agreement on Minimum Conditions of Service for Labour in the Nigerian Shipping Industry, marking progress towards a fair and sustainable maritime sector.
In partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Ministry is also advancing the modernization of port infrastructure. This initiative aims to address the current dilapidated state of port facilities, enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness.
The Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, addressing infrastructural gaps, and unlocking the sector’s potential.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, acknowledged dockworkers as the backbone of the maritime industry. He stressed that their contributions are essential for the smooth operation of ports and the lifeblood of global trade. Dantsoho highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime location and abundant ocean resources as key assets for leveraging the blue economy, underscoring that the skills and dedication of dockworkers are crucial for realizing this potential.
The event, which featured discussions on various maritime challenges and opportunities, set the stage for future policy decisions aimed at strengthening the sector and enhancing its contribution to national prosperity.