Experts Identify Blue Economy As Pivotal To Nation’s Economic Growth, Developmentp

Experts Identify Blue Economy As Pivotal To Nation’s Economic Growth, Development

L-R Mr Aliu Lawal ,head Maritime Labour Services NIMASA,ENL Chairman,Mrs Vicky Haastrup, President General MWUN,Comrade Prince Adewale Adeyanju fnli, Representative of Chief Taiwo Afolabi,Mr.Fowotade Segun,and Akon Bodunde, President SSACGOC ,at the Magazine Launch,on Wednesday,15 November,,2023.

By Frank Odinukaeze

The creation of Marine and Blue Economy,by the Federal Government,has been identified as a veritable tool for sustainable growth and development of the nations economy
This was the consensus of various speakers at the launch of the maiden edition of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN,Magazine,” The Maritime Labour Voice”,on Wednesday,15, November,2023,at Rock View Hotel , Apapa,Lagos.
Delivering a paper tittled,”
MARINe AND BLUE ECONOMY: ITS IMPACT ON MARITIME WORKERS,Barrister Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara,key speaker at the event noted that Blue Economy
” is an economic phrase associated with exploitation and conservation of the maritime environment and is occasionally used as a synonym for “sustainable ocean-based economy”.
He opined that an important challenge of the blue economy is to understand and better manage the many aspects of oceanic sustainability, ranging from sustainable fisheries to ecosystem health to preventing pollution. Secondly, the blue economy challenges us to realize that the sustainable management of ocean resources will require collaboration across borders and sectors through a variety of partnerships, and on a scale that has not been previously achieved.
“This expectation obviously poses a major challenge to small independent Island and Coastal countries which grapple with poverty of their citizens. Moreso collaborations across borders would presume equal Bargaining powers and equal resource allocation to achieving identified goals by collaborating countries.

Assistant General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications, Nigerian Ports Authority,Mrs Sarah Bala.

Assistant General Manager ,Corporate and Strategic Communications ,Nigerian Ports Authority,Mrs Sarah Bala
The idea of the “Blue Economy” goes with that of the “Green Economy”by emphasizing the environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans, which account for two thirds of the earth’s surface. The Ocean is an important provider of food, biodiversity; carbon sequestration, and energy, oceans are true global commons, whose degradation would have dire consequences for all of mankind.”Nwagbara submitted
He noted that according to the United Nation 40% of the world population live near coastal areas, 80% of world trade is achieved using the seas. The oceans, seas and coastal areas contribute to food security and poverty reduction. And yet, the ocean is under severe threat by human activities, where economic profit are at the expense of environmental degradation. Acidification, pollution, ocean warming, and fishery collapse are just some of the examples of the consequences on the marine ecosystems. These threats are detrimental to the planet and have long term repercussions that demand urgent action to protect the oceans and the people who depend on them.
Viable use of the ocean economy in line with the concept of blue economy will sustain life on earth and it entails ocean, seas and marine resources conservation, sea pollution reduction and decarbonized Shipping.
” In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted a development policy on sustainability which centers around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The 17 goals provide a global blueprint for peace and prosperity of people and the planet and are set to be achieved by 2030. Goal 14, titled Life Below Water, concerns conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, and demand international cooperation for the oceans to get back in balance.

Executive Chairman,ENL Mrs Vicky Haastrup

Reaching Goal 14 requires universal action to protect the planet and require the collaboration of global and regional blocs within the international community and requisite legal frame work for its implementation.
” The oceans and seas are a main source of food, energy and minerals, and are being used for different purposes. Common examples are fisheries and aquaculture, and the processing and trade of these resources. The maritime transport also plays a big role in the global market in the form of containerships, tankers, and ports for the vessels. Furthermore, coastal tourism is the largest business within ocean related activities in terms of employment” he argued.

Nwagbara further argued that ” Enforcement of globally applicable IMO rules by both flag States and port States, and enforcement of national laws and regulations by national Maritime Administrations, as applicable, will be important forpromoting and driving marine and blue economy. Effective promotion of marine and blue economy will have a positive impact on Maritime Workers.”
He submitted that proper training of dock workers , seafarers and others in the Maritime Industry would have positive impact and enhanced better economic fortune for the nation and the maritime Industry.
Earlier, President of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN,Comrade prince Adewale Adeyanju,,said ,It is instructive to note that Nigeria is a maritime nation blessed with valuable water resources that contribute immensely to the socio- economic development of our country in terms of foods ,mineral resources and marine transport
” This is perharps another reason why Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, roundly rejects the new proposed Port and Harbour Bill as it is a complete antithesis to the desired long term vision of controlled but sustainable growth of the maritime sector.”Adeyanju submitted.
On her part, Mrs Hauwa Mohammed of the NLC, speaking on a topic tittled “Mid- Streaming: Labour Rights and Climate Change in Blue Economy”, called on Labour to be proactive and not reactive. That Labour should compare notes with countries that are already operating the blue economy, to understand the implications for workers, for the Union and the environment.
She espoused the benefits ,gains and pains of the marine and blue economy,and added that proactive and concerted efforts should be made to harness the benefits of the marine and blue economy ,while also keeping tab on its pains as well.
Executive Chairman of ENL,Mrs Vicky Haastrup ,who also was the Chairman of the occasion noted that the Maritime Workers Union,has contributed a lot to the economy of Nigeria.
Her words,” Maritime Industry has contributed immensely towards the development of the nation.”
She added that the Maritime Industry has the capacity to solve the economic problem of Nigeria.
” The creation of Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Government,is a significant recognition of the importance of the maritime Industry” the ENL boss stated .

She thanked the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,for being consistent.”Without you ,we won’t have marine and blue economy” she said.
She praised the leadership of Adewale Adeyanju, adding that ,”We have a leadership that has imnibed the culture of negotiation.”
She said Prince Adeyanju has written his name on gold , stressing that by the time he leaves office ,”the industry will not forget you”.
Princess Haastrup lauded the publication of the “Maritime Labour Voice”, noting that the “Magazine will be helpful to the industry.It will be a magazine that would be beneficial to all of us.The publication is timely and laidable” she said.
She called on all to join hands to find a way out of our “present economic duldrums”.
On her part,Mrs Sarah Bala,the representative of the Managing Director of the Nigerian ports Authority NPA,Mr Mohammec Bello-Koko,commended the MWUN for the publication.She noted that our lives revolve round the marine and blue economy.” Everything we use in life ,many of them are by- product of the marine and blue economy
Speaking also,the Port Manager of Apapa port,Mr Charles Agada,wished that the nation would have taken advantage of the huge resources that the Marine and Blue Economy possess ,to social mobilization,and to a large extent,the political advancement of nation .
His words,” The entirety of the activities the port carries out,falls with the Marine and Blue Economy: The Shipbuilding,Ship reception, Stevedoring; fabrication,fishing and etc,all constitute Marine and Blue Economy.Infact the exploitation of under water resources ,along the coastal shelf,are also elemets of the marine and blue economy
” In this instance,we are talking about the overlap of and interference between marine economy and Aqua Culture on some instance.For Aqua culture,the Agriculturist would say they are in charge.But broadly speaking,,there are benefits that are derivable from marine and blue economy, because they are undewater resources”

He said the maritime workers have a huge responsibility as they are instrumental to the success and profitability of the marine and blue economy.He noted that the Marine and Blue Economy has so much benefits that requires collaboration and cooperation of all players to harness its full potentials
Other speakers include Comrade Akin Bodunde,president of SASSGOC Aliu Lawal ,head Labour services NIMASA ,and others..

 Nation’s Economic Growth, Development

By Frank Odinukaeze

The creation of Marine and Blue Economy,by the Federal Government,has been identified as a veritable tool for sustainable growth and development of the nations economy
This was the consensus of various speakers at the launch of the maiden edition of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN,Magazine,” The Maritime Labour Voice”,on Wednesday,15, November,2023,at Rock View Hotel , Apapa,Lagos.
Delivering a paper tittled,”
MARINe AND BLUE ECONOMY: ITS IMPACT ON MARITIME WORKERS,Barrister Osuala Emmanuel Nwagbara,key speaker at the event noted that Blue Economy
” is an economic phrase associated with exploitation and conservation of the maritime environment and is occasionally used as a synonym for “sustainable ocean-based economy”.
He opined that an important challenge of the blue economy is to understand and better manage the many aspects of oceanic sustainability, ranging from sustainable fisheries to ecosystem health to preventing pollution. Secondly, the blue economy challenges us to realize that the sustainable management of ocean resources will require collaboration across borders and sectors through a variety of partnerships, and on a scale that has not been previously achieved.
“This expectation obviously poses a major challenge to small independent Island and Coastal countries which grapple with poverty of their citizens. Moreso collaborations across borders would presume equal Bargaining powers and equal resource allocation to achieving identified goals by collaborating countries.
The idea of the “Blue Economy” goes with that of the “Green Economy”by emphasizing the environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans, which account for two thirds of the earth’s surface. The Ocean is an important provider of food, biodiversity; carbon sequestration, and energy, oceans are true global commons, whose degradation would have dire consequences for all of mankind.”Nwagbara submitted
He noted that according to the United Nation 40% of the world population live near coastal areas, 80% of world trade is achieved using the seas. The oceans, seas and coastal areas contribute to food security and poverty reduction. And yet, the ocean is under severe threat by human activities, where economic profit are at the expense of environmental degradation. Acidification, pollution, ocean warming, and fishery collapse are just some of the examples of the consequences on the marine ecosystems. These threats are detrimental to the planet and have long term repercussions that demand urgent action to protect the oceans and the people who depend on them.
Viable use of the ocean economy in line with the concept of blue economy will sustain life on earth and it entails ocean, seas and marine resources conservation, sea pollution reduction and decarbonized Shipping.
” In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted a development policy on sustainability which centers around the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The 17 goals provide a global blueprint for peace and prosperity of people and the planet and are set to be achieved by 2030. Goal 14, titled Life Below Water, concerns conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, and demands international cooperation for the oceans to get back in balance.
Reaching Goal 14 requires universal action to protect the planet and require the collaboration of global and regional blocs within the international community and requisite legal frame work for its implementation.
” The oceans and seas are a main source of food, energy and minerals, and are being used for different purposes. Common examples are fisheries and aquaculture, and the processing and trade of these resources. The maritime transport also plays a big role in the global market in the form of containerships, tankers, and ports for the vessels. Furthermore, coastal tourism is the largest business within ocean related activities in terms of employment” he argued.

Nwagbara further argued that ” Enforcement of globally applicable IMO rules by both flag States and port States, and enforcement of national laws and regulations by national Maritime Administrations, as applicable, will be important forpromoting and driving marine and blue economy. Effective promotion of marine and blue economy will have a positive impact on Maritime Workers.”
He submitted that proper training of dock workers , seafarers and others in the Maritime Industry would have positive impact and enhanced better economic fortune for the nation and the maritime Industry.
Earlier, President of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN,Comrade prince Adewale Adeyanju,,said ,It is instructive to note that Nigeria is a maritime nation blessed with valuable water resources that contribute immensely to the socio- economic development of our country in terms of foods ,mineral resources and marine transport
” This is perharps another reason why Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN, roundly rejects the new proposed Port and Harbour Bill as it is a complete antithesis to the desired long term vision of controlled but sustainable growth of the maritime sector.”Adeyanju submitted.
On her part, Mrs Hauwa Mohammed of the NLC, speaking on a topic tittled “Mid- Streaming: Labour Rights and Climate Change in Blue Economy”, called on Labour to be proactive and not reactive. That Labour should compare notes with countries that are already operating the blue economy, to understand the implications for workers, for the Union and the environment.
She espoused the benefits ,gains and pains of the marine and blue economy,and added that proactive and concerted efforts should be made to harness the benefits of the marine and blue economy ,while also keeping tab on its pains as well.
Executive Chairman of ENL,Mrs Vicky Haastrup ,who also was the Chairman of the occasion noted that the Maritime Workers Union,has contributed a lot to the economy of Nigeria.
Her words,” Maritime Industry has contributed immensely towards the development of the nation.”
She added that the Maritime Industry has the capacity to solve the economic problem of Nigeria.
” The creation of Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Government,is a significant recognition of the importance of the maritime Industry” the ENL boss stated .
She thanked the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,for being consistent.”Without you ,we won’t have marine and blue economy” she said.
She praised the leadership of Adewale Adeyanju, adding that ,”We have a leadership that has imnibed the culture of negotiation.”
She said Prince Adeyanju has written his name on gold , stressing that by the time he leaves office ,”the industry will not forget you”.
Princess Haastrup lauded the publication of the “Maritime Labour Voice”, noting that the “Magazine will be helpful to the industry.It will be a magazine that would be beneficial to all of us.The publication is timely and laidable” she said.
She called on all to join hands to find a way out of our “present economic duldrums”.
On her part,Mrs Sarah Bala,the representative of the Managing Director of the Nigerian ports Authority NPA,Mr Mohammec Bello-Koko,commended the MWUN for the publication.She noted that our lives revolve round the marine and blue economy.” Everything we use in life ,many of them are by- product of the marine and blue economy
Speaking also,the Port Manager of Apapa port,Mr Charles Agada,wished that the nation would have taken advantage of the huge resources that the Marine and Blue Economy possess ,to social mobilization,and to a large extent,the political advancement of nation .
His words,” The entirety of the activities the port carries out,falls with the Marine and Blue Economy: The Shipbuilding,Ship reception, Stevedoring; fabrication,fishing and etc,all constitute Marine and Blue Economy.Infact the exploitation of under water resources ,along the coastal shelf,are also elemets of the marine and blue economy
” In this instance,we are talking about the overlap of and interference between marine economy and Aqua Culture on some instance.For Aqua culture,the Agriculturist would say they are in charge.But broadly speaking,,there are benefits that are derivable from marine and blue economy, because they are undewater resources”
He said the maritime workers have a huge responsibility as they are instrumental to the success and profitability of the marine and blue economy.He noted that the Marine and Blue Economy has so much benefits that requires collaboration and cooperation of all players to harness its full potentials
Other speakers include Comrade Akin Bodunde,president of SSACGOC Aliu Lawal ,head Maritime Labour services NIMASA ,and others..