TransQuest Media Rallies Stakeholders to Shape Nigeria’s Blue Economy

By Temitope Adebiyi, Correspondent

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for economic diversification, employment generation, and sustainable national development.

Dr. Nweke

Today in Lagos, seasoned journalist and TransQuest Media publisher Felix Kumuyi and other stakeholders at the highly attended event appraised the efforts of the government at the media house’s 21st anniversary and award ceremony.

Kumuyi

The event themed: “Appraising Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Charting a Pathway to Sustainable Growth” was held in Ikeja, Lagos

The creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the stakeholders said, has undoubtedly signaled the government’s recognition of the immense potential of the blue economy

Beyond our ports and shipping activities, Kumuyi said, ” lies an enormous wealth embedded in our oceans, inland waterways, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, coastal resources, renewable marine energy and maritime services.’

He, however, pointed out that, “Creating institutions is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in developing coherent policies, modern infrastructure, efficient port systems, robust maritime security, environmental sustainability, human capacity development, and an investment-friendly regulatory environment capable of unlocking the sector’s full value.

“Nigeria, as a maritime nation strategically positioned on the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria possesses every natural advantage to become Africa’s leading Blue Economy hub. Yet, many of these opportunities remain underutilized due to infrastructure deficits, policy inconsistencies, regulatory bottlenecks, inadequate financing and limited coordination among stakeholders.

“It is therefore imperative that government, regulators, investors, development partners, academia and industry operators work collaboratively to transform our vast marine resources into sustainable engines of economic prosperity.

This, Kumuyi said, “is precisely why today’s lecture is so important. It provides another opportunity for informed engagement, objective assessment and constructive recommendations that can contribute meaningfully to national policy formulation and implementation.”

“We are particularly honoured to have with us our distinguished Guest Lecturers, whose wealth of knowledge and experience will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the challenges, opportunities and practical pathways towards building a resilient and globally competitive Blue Economy for Nigeria,” he said.

He gave kudos to the chairman of the Occasion, ACG Charles Ekporwei Edike (rtd), Mr Lucky Amiwero, Dr Eugene Nweke, Customs Area Controllers, captains of industry, policymakers, heads of government agencies, members of the maritime, transport and logistics community and other distinguished guests that were at the venue.