The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that a national policy on marine and blue economy is being developed to address illegal fishing, environmental degradation, and unsustainable practices in Nigeria’s waters.
Speaking at the technical validation workshop for the policy in Lagos, Oyetola said the initiative aims to reposition Nigeria as a regional and global leader in fostering a sustainable blue economy.
The policy, he explained, is designed to promote sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth in the maritime sector while ensuring measurable outcomes.
“Nigeria, with over 853 kilometers of coastline and a vast exclusive economic zone, holds immense opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and renewable energy,” Oyetola said.
He noted that these opportunities come with challenges such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and environmental degradation.
“A robust national policy will provide a comprehensive framework to address these challenges, aligning with international best practices while safeguarding marine resources for future generations,” he added.
Oyetola highlighted notable progress in maritime governance, including the ratification of international protocols and a three-year period of zero piracy incidents in Nigerian waters.
He acknowledged pressing issues such as recurring boat mishaps, emphasizing that the policy will include strategies to enhance waterway safety.
In partnership with stakeholders such as the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and WorldFish, the ministry has finalized key policies on fisheries and aquaculture, which will serve as critical inputs into the national policy.
However, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, described the workshop as a vital step in shaping a policy tailored to Nigeria’s needs while aligning with sustainable development goals.
“This workshop provides stakeholders the opportunity to refine the draft policy, ensuring it addresses critical issues such as safety, security, and sustainability. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a marine economy that supports economic growth, job creation, and environmental preservation,” Oloruntola stated.
The national policy is expected to solidify Nigeria’s position in global maritime governance, with efforts underway to secure Nigeria’s candidacy for Category C membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Stakeholders were urged to actively participate in refining the policy to ensure it meets global standards and addresses the specific needs of Nigeria’s blue economy sector.