The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated that the ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has begun the process of modernising the maritime and port sectors to enhance efficiency and ensure competitiveness in the global maritime space.
Oyetola stated this at the 2024 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day, themed “Dockworkers: Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” in Lagos.
According to him, the maritime sector plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the country.
“This event comes at a time when the current administration is committed to fully harnessing the potential of the marine and blue economy sectors to improve productivity, create jobs for our growing youth population, increase revenue generation and boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP), thereby achieving sustainable development in the country,” he said.
He emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the present administration, will continue to vigorously pursue the development of the shipping, maritime and related sectors to ensure sustainable progress.
The minister assured that the ministry would ensure that the agencies under its supervision implement necessary projects and programs to achieve the ministry’s deliverables as agreed with the President.
He also revealed that the ministry facilitated the conclusion of the Agreement on Minimum Conditions of Service for Labour in the Nigerian Shipping Industry, which was recently signed by relevant stakeholders. This, he noted, marks a significant milestone in the collective journey toward fostering a maritime sector built on fairness, respect and sustainability.
Oyetola further added that the Federal Government, through the ministry, will continue to create an enabling environment to encourage private sector participation in addressing infrastructural gaps in the maritime sector. This is essential to achieve set goals, enhance opportunities and harness the immense benefits the sector offers.
