Tinubu aims to make maritime sector a key part of Nigeria’s economy – Oyetola
On Thursday, September 26, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, shared exciting news about President Bola Tinubu’s plans to boost Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He explained that the government is working hard to turn this sector into an important part of the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Speaking at the World Maritime Day event in Lagos, Oyetola said, “The ministry is taking proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector by embracing emerging technologies and fostering innovation to drive economic growth.” This means using new tools and ideas to help the industry become more efficient and effective.
One major initiative includes using technology to make port operations safer and more reliable. Oyetola noted, “We are investing heavily in port modernization to reduce inefficiencies, lower operational costs, and improve safety in our ports.” This means the government is working with private companies to make our ports better.
Oyetola mentioned that Nigeria is also focusing on new practices to protect the environment while improving the economy.
He highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of an important safety convention, saying, “Safety has been at the forefront of our mission.”
The minister also talked about the challenges in the maritime sector and how everyone must work together to overcome them. “Achieving safety in our maritime environment is a goal well within reach, but it requires collective effort,” he said.
During the event, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), spoke about the importance of keeping our environment safe.
He said, “Safety is not only about protecting lives and property but also about safeguarding our environment for future generations.” He emphasized that the NPA is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), also highlighted the need for safety in the maritime industry. “There are many challenges in the maritime industry. These challenges also provide opportunities for tremendous success,” he explained.
As everyone celebrated World Maritime Day, Oyetola encouraged everyone to reflect on how far Nigeria has come and to keep working toward a safer and more sustainable maritime future. “Together, we can navigate towards a brighter, safer future for our maritime industry,” he said.
The efforts by the government and various stakeholders show a strong commitment to making Nigeria’s maritime sector thrive while protecting the environment.
