The Nigerian federal government is collaborating with the African Union (AU) via the African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to develop a comprehensive Blue Economy Strategy. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, announced this partnership during a recent workshop in Abuja.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing Nigeria's marine resources and highlighted the establishment of a partnership committee for sustainable blue economy development. This initiative led to the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Oyetola stressed the need for a strategic roadmap to harness the potential of Nigeria's oceans while ensuring their long-term health. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, citing issues like over-exploitation, pollution, and climate change.
However, he also emphasized the significant opportunities the blue economy presents, such as inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, especially in coastal and island communities. Oyetola emphasized the potential for economic growth through responsible utilization of ocean resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
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