By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has identified Over-exploitation of marine resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change as factors
threatening the health and resilience of the ocean’s ecosystem.
Oyetola disclosed this on Monday at the ongoing National consultative workshop on the formulation of the National Blue Economy strategy for Nigeria in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oluruntola said, the blue economy presents significant challenges and promising opportunities for sustainable development.
“One of the greatest challenges lies in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Over-exploitation of marine resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change threaten the health and resilience of ocean ecosystems.
He, however, said, “addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change,”.
The minister added that the blue economy has the capacity to create employment especially in coastal and island communities.
“However, within these challenges lie significant opportunities. The blue economy has the potential to drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty, particularly in coastal and island communities. By harnessing the vast potential of our oceans sustainably, we can unlock new sources of economic value, such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
“Furthermore, investments in research, innovation, and technology can unlock new solutions for ocean conservation, resource efficiency and climate resilience, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.”
The minister explained that, ” the blue economy in Nigeria was birthed from the need for the Federal Government to diversify the economy.Considering the huge potentials of the national marine resources, the institutionalization of the Expanded Partnership Committee on sustainable blue economy in Nigeria was approved with the view to develop a strategic plan for the national blue economy, this is what has eventually resulted in the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”.
“This workshop comes at a time when we are harmonizing governance structures, developing strategies and plans of action for promoting blue economy development initiatives and this strategy document is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for harnessing the potential of our oceans while safeguarding its health for the present and future generations.
“… this will enhance exploration of innovative solutions that will birth identified best practices for actionable strategies tailored to our unique contexts and the actualization of a more comprehensive strategy document that will also address the identified challenges”, he said.
