AU WANTS NIGERIA TO INCLUDE BLUE ECONOMY PERFORMANCES IN POLICIES 20-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu The African Union AU has urged Nigeria to Include blue economy performances in fiscal policies.
The Head of Blue Economy division of AU Mr George’s Mba-Asseko, made the call at the end of a Broad based stakeholders final validation workshop for the draft national blue economy strategy of Nigeria in Abuja.
Mr Mba-Asseko observed that Nigeria, with its vast coastline, rich marine resources, and strategic location, is well-positioned to be a leader in Africa’s blue economy.
This he said has been proven by the fast development of aquaculture value chains that make the country now as the second producer of aquaculture products per year.
He also stressed the need for all stakeholders in Nigeria, namely government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, academic experts, and local communities, to actively contribute to the success of this strategy.
“This validation gathering is not just a formal endorsement. It is a crucial step towards realizing a vision of economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and social equity. The challenges are many, but so too are the opportunities. Nigeria’s successful implementation of this strategy will not only contribute to the well being of its citizens, but it will also provide a model for other African nations to follow.
“The Commission encourages the country to capitalize on the momentum generated here today and to establish the institutional mechanisms and partnerships necessary to transform the aquatic embeded potential in to a successful driving blue economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that the development of the National Blue Economy Strategy during the workshop is a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s economic growth.
This strategy he said, provides a roadmap for the sustainable harnessing of the potential of all aspect of the blue economy.
“Let us also remember that unlocking the full potential of all sub-sectors of the blue economy requires a strategic, sustainable approach, built on research, collaboration, and public-private partnerships, including partnerships with organizations such as AU-IBAR, among others.
Recommendations adopted into the communique at the end of the workshop included establishment of fisheries management agency, and identification and development of blue tourism roadmap,blue carbon and climate change, hydro power development as well as floating solar power panels.
The participants were drawn from Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE)/ Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR); Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Federal Ministry of Environment as well as the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor, amongst others.