In line with President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial appointments, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has assumed his designated role as the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
This appointment aims to contribute to the national economy’s revenue generation and provide employment opportunities for the unemployed.
During his brief statement at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Oyetola emphasised that his vision centres around the responsible management and utilisation of marine resources, benefiting not only the economy but also the planet’s health.
Oyetola highlighted that experts estimate the global Blue Economy to be worth over USD1.5 trillion annually. Given Nigeria’s size and the potential of its blue economy, he expressed the need for the country to become a significant player in this sector, contributing substantially to revenue generation and job creation.
He underscored the importance of collaboration for ministry growth and pledged to support and champion the growth of marine resources. “I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and dedication to service. The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal can only be efficient and effective through teamwork. This is why I urge us to work as a team to fulfill our mandate. Let’s collaborate to find innovative solutions to our challenges, ensuring the safety, reliability and sustainability of our oceans and marine resources.”
Oyetola’s vision extends to ensuring the practical utilisation of inland rivers, lakes and waterways for cargo shipment and passenger transportation. He proposed a holistic dredging campaign for strategically important inland waterways to make them navigable for goods and people.
“We also have the responsibility to promote better cooperation and coordination among agencies like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).”
Leveraging his strong private sector background, Oyetola plans to enhance private sector involvement while increasing efficiency through specialisation and clearly defined core duties among units.
He emphasised seizing the opportunity to create positive change and a lasting legacy for future generations. “We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. I appreciate your dedication and I look forward to working alongside each of you in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.”
