The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged agencies under the ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals to ensure impactful development in line with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021–2025 National Development Plan.
The minister made this statement during the ministry’s session with agencies to review their 2025 budget proposals earlier today.
He expressed optimism that the proposals would consolidate the ministry’s plans to harness Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potentials.
While calling on agencies to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence and strategic prioritisation, Oyetola said, “Our fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every naira allocated delivers a measurable impact.
“I hope the 2025 budget will not only address the immediate needs of the ministry and its agencies but also serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth,” he added.
Oyetola emphasised that the marine and blue economy sector holds immense potential for national development, providing a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. Achieving these, he noted, aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu as it relates to marine and blue economy development.
The minister further stated that resources should be directed toward strengthening the maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations and enforcement of maritime laws. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing capacity in aquaculture, developing fishing ports and combating illegal and unregulated fishing activities.
Other priority areas mentioned included promoting oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy and climate resilience technologies, which Oyetola said should remain at the forefront of the agencies’ objectives.
Speaking on the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the minister described it as more than just a document, but a roadmap to guide collective efforts in the sustainable management of marine resources, climate adaptation, technological innovation and enhanced governance in the sector.
“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasises the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources,” he stated.
Heads of agencies present at the session included representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology and Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
