The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged agencies under the Ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals.
The Minister stated that the agencies should ensure massive and impactful development in line with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan.
The Minister disclosed this during the Ministry’s session with agencies to consider their 2025 budget proposals.
The agencies supervised by the Ministry include the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN).
Others include the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, the Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
The Minister, in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna, expressed optimism that the budget proposals will consolidate the ministry’s plan to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.
Oyetola, while urging the agencies to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritization said: “Our fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every naira allocated delivers a measurable impact.”
“I hope that the 2025 budget will not only provide for the immediate needs of this ministry and the agencies but will serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth.”
He also stated that the marine and blue economy sector holds unparalleled potential for national development as it offers a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship, adding that attaining these align with the key priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President as it relates to the marine and blue economy.
The Minister further stated that resources should be channelled towards strengthening the maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations, and the enforcement of maritime laws.
He also highlighted the need to enhance capacity in aquaculture and fishing ports and to curb illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector.
He added that promoting oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy, and climate resilience technologies should be at the forefront of the agencies’ efforts.
Regarding the draft National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, the Minister stated that the policy is not just a document but a roadmap that will guide collective efforts towards the sustainable management of marine resources, climate adaptation, technological innovation, and enhanced governance in the sector.
“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasises the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.”
