Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, NIMASA Committed to Industry Partnerships – Oyetola
Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, NIMASA Committed to Industry Partnerships – Oyetola
R-L– Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director of Manning, Naval HQ, Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, and the Director, Marine Environment Management, NIMASA, Mr. Heaky Dimowo, at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja,Wednesday.
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, driving innovation, and promoting sustainability. This commitment is in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Speaking at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja, Oyetola emphasized the importance of government-private sector partnerships in unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential. He highlighted that harnessing Nigeria’s marine resources is crucial for diversifying the economy.
Oyetola pointed out that transitioning from a fossil fuel-based economy to one focused on minerals offers Nigeria the chance to utilize marine resources, such as wave and tidal energy, to produce clean energy, thereby meeting the nation’s energy needs.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 underscores our commitment to economic diversification and capitalizing on the global trend of deep-sea exploration. As a major oil producer with extensive coastlines and inland waterways, Nigeria must not fall behind in this new frontier,” Oyetola stated.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, the Minister explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders about the importance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.
NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, also spoke at the event, noting that the Agency, in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, is committed to ensuring Nigeria’s compliance with global standards. He stressed the need to amend the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 to align with ISA’s model legislation on exploration and exploitation.
Dr. Mobereola reiterated the commitment of both the Ministry and NIMASA to fully implementing legislative frameworks that ensure the sustainable use of the marine environment and adherence to safety standards.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that all relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards are fully implemented,” he said.
The workshop was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other key stakeholders.
