AU Pledges Commitment To Develop Nigeria’s Blue Economy

The African Union (AU), has pledged its commitment towards ensuring the successful actualization of the potentials of Blue Economy in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Broad-based stakeholders’ final validation workshop for the draft National Blue Economy Strategy of Nigeria, Georges Mba Asseko of the African Union said Nigeria’s success implementation of the Blue Economy will not only be beneficiary to its citizens but to the entire Africa continent at large.

He noted that Nigeria’s Blue Economy resources are at par with the highest in the world but lamented the lack of utilization of the potentials in Nigeria.

According to him, “AU recognises the potentials of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy, the subsequent setting up of a full ministry. We believe that if properly harnessed, it will boast Africa’s economy.”

While declaring the event open, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who appreciated the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Kingdom of Norway for their unwavering support toward the development of Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Strategy document, said the document will serve as a roadmap for the sustainable development of the sector.

The minister further stated that “Nigeria’s journey into the Blue Economy concept began as a direct outcome of the 2018 African Union Conference. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu and in line with the commitment to sustainable economic diversification. The Blue Economy has evolved from a mere concept to a strategic priority, leading to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“The establishment of this ministry signifies Nigeria’s firm commitment to sustainably harnessing its vast marine and aquatic resources. Our focus includes boosting blue food production, creating jobs, building climate-resilient coastal communities, and ensuring prosperity and security for future generations. This commitment was further reinforced by the transfer of the Fisheries and Aquaculture department to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year, placing all related activities directly under this ministry’s purview.

“This validation workshop is both timely and essential, as it comes at a period when the ministry is focused on policy formulation, strategy development, governance harmonization, and institutional capacity building for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.”

The minister also noted that “Nigeria is blessed with a vast coastline and diverse marine resources, with significant potential in sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, marine transport, maritime security, renewable energy, and mineral resources. Unlocking the full potential of these sectors requires a strategic, sustainable approach, built on research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, including partnerships with organizations such as AU-IBAR, among others.”