Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged agencies of the ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals to 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 who made this known on Wednesday during the ministry’s session with agencies to consider their 2025 budget proposal, expressed the optimism that the budget proposals will further consolidate the plan of the ministry to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potentials.
Director of press and Information in the ministry, Anastasia Ogbonna, said while urging the agencies to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritisation, the minister said the ministry’s fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in the 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/agencies, but will serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth.”
The minister stated that the marine and blue economy sector holds unparalleled potential for national development as it provides sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation and environmental stewardship.
He added that attaining these aligns with the key priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu as it relates to Marine and Blue Economy.
Oyetola further stated that resources should be channelled towards strengthening maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations and enforcement of maritime laws, highlighting the need to enhance capacity in aquaculture, fishing ports and curbing illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector.
He said other priority areas such as promotion of oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy and climate resilience technologies should equally be on the front burner of the agencies.
On 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.
