Speaks On National Maritime Strategy and implementation plans

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola has again reiterated the commitment of the Agency to actualize the vision and aspiration of the Federal Government in creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

L/R: Mr. Kelvin Kagbare, Convener, National Discourse with Distinguished Maritime Personalities, DMPs, Mr. Owoh Fidelis, Deputy Director Special Duties, Representative of the DG NIMASA, Mr. Rowland Ekama, Publisher Daily Focus, Representative of Hon, Iju Tony Nwabunike, Joshua Yousouph Representative of Mr. Sesan Onileimo, Publisher, Shipping Position, Mr. Henry Konyeaso, Representative of Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho (Chairman of occasion), Otunba Sola Adewumi, President, Nigerian Shipowners Association, Engr, Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman Starzs Investments Ltd and Dr. Emeka Akabogu, Principal Partner, Akabogu & Associates Law Firm at the event.

Speaking at the 2024 edition of the National Discourse with Distinguished Maritime Personalities, DMPs, the Director, General who was represented by Mr. Owoh Fidelis, Deputy Director, Special Duties, said the event underscores the importance that the  maritime sector plays in the growth and development of the global community.

“As you are aware, the maritime sector is responsible for over 80%  of global commerce and trade, making it very crucial to human existence and the global economy as a whole. Upon realizing the benefits derivable from the seas and oceans, Nigeria became one of the few nations in the continent that have clearly defined a path to pursue the actualization of its maritime economy, otherwise referred to as the “Blue Economy”, through years of dedicated processing culminating in the development of the National Maritime Strategy (NMS) document and implementation plan”

The NIMASA Boss disclosed that NMS now serves as the guide to the actualisation of  Nigerian’s blue economy as envisioned to achieve Nigerian’s economic prosperity, growth and development through the sustainable use of the nation’s maritime resources in a safe and secure environment.

“This noble concept of sustainable use of the ocean resources has been adopted in most maritime nations, thereby gaining traction, while also intensifying sensitisation seminars across the globe”

a cross section of participants at the event

Dr. Mobereola further noted that it is in furtherance of Government quest to diversify and increase the revenue base of the country to be able to achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda, that the Federal Government created the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to coordinate and promote the integrated development of the Blue Economy.

“The Ministry has continued to engage with Stakeholders in the industry to develop policies and create a roadmap for the actualization of the Blue Economy in Nigeria. It is important to state that the Blue Economy has three pillars, namely; economic, social and environmental. It also strives to balance economic growth, social equity in terms of employment and poverty reduction, while also preserving the environment. The aim of this approach is to ensure long-term sustainability” the NIMASA Director General said.

The DG further hinted that NIMASA has keyed into the agenda of the Federal Government to ensure that the numerous opportunities in the oceans and seas are harnessed sustainably, while depending less on the oil and gas sector.

His word “One of the approach we have embraced in NIMASA is to collaborate and partner with the stakeholders, encourage collaboration among stakeholders as exemplified by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year when a meeting was held with those in the fishing sub-sector. Fishing is a major component in the Blue Economy chain, hence there is the need to do everything to preserve them from going into extinction so as to preserve the ecosystem”

“Another initiative aimed at deriving the benefits of the Blue Economy was demonstrated during a stakeholders meeting at held in Abuja on Deep Seabed Mining, where emphasis was placed on exploration and exploitation of the country’s natural resources, all aimed at sustainable creation of wealth for the country and also enhancing job creation”

In the area of Human Capital Component of the Blue Economy, participants and stakeholders were informed that the Agency has continued sensitization and capacity development in and around the coastal communities while educating them on the current and future effect of their actions and conducts while carrying out their businesses in the marine environment  as we educate and let them have a deeper insight into the ideals of the Blue Economy in ensuring that the oceans are preserved for future use.

The NIMASA Boss disclosed further that NIMASA has a Blue Economy unit, which underscores the importance of human elements in realizing a robust maritime sector through the Blue Economy mantra.

“Infrastructure is very crucial to maritime sector development and in the Agency, we have adopted the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in order to fast-track the development of the sector. Ours is to create an enabling environment that will boost investors’ confidence to invest in the sector. This method helps to reduce bureaucracy, while ensuring accelerated development in the sector”

“We are working closely with the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to secure every necessary approval to enhance our PPP model and initiative. ICRC have been very supportive and we are optimistic that very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the benefits of the Blue Economy initiatives”

Media Partnership/Collaboration

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the media to be objective in reporting activities of the maritime sector; it is our country and this is the only country we have”

“The media is a very critical partner to us in NIMASA;  I urge the media to engage us constructively and make more impact through effective collaboration and positive reporting of the industry” the Director General appealed