… to ensure the ministry’s Sustainability, growth
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has urged agencies under the ministry to align their 2025 budget proposals with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan.
The Minister emphasized the need for transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritization to ensure impactful and sustainable development in the sector.
Speaking at the Ministry’s session with its agencies to consider the 2025 budget proposals, Oyetola expressed confidence that the proposed budgets would consolidate the ministry’s efforts to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.
“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,” the Minister stated.
He stressed that the 2025 budget should 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.
This was contained in a statement signed by Anastasia Ogbonna Director, Information and Public Relations at the ministry.
Highlighting the marine and blue economy sector’s vital role, Oyetola noted that it provides unparalleled opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. He reaffirmed that these priorities align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Minister called for targeted investments in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime domain, including surveillance systems, law enforcement, and operations. He also underscored the importance of enhancing capacity in aquaculture, fishing port development, and curbing illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing activities.
Other focus areas identified by the Minister include promoting oceanographic research, renewable marine energy, stock assessment, and climate resilience technologies. He emphasized the significance of these initiatives in fostering innovation and sustainable development in the sector.
On the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, Oyetola described it as a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and governance.
He highlighted its alignment with international best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 14, which emphasizes the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasizes the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources,”
The Heads of Agencies in attendance included: the Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
The Minister encouraged the agencies to work collectively to achieve the ministry’s vision for a thriving and sustainable blue economy.
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