AU, FG To Develop National Blue Economy Strategy

The African Union (AU), through the African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), is collaborating with the federal government to develop a national Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria.

Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy, made the disclosure at stakeholders’ consultative workshop to define priority issues for development of National Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria in Abuja.

“Considering the huge potentials of the national marine resources, the institutionalisation 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.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we gather here to review the draft strategy document for the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

“This workshop comes at a time when we are harmonising 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.”

On the challenges facing the sector, the minister said, “As we all are aware, 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.

“Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change.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.”

Dr Huyam Salih, the director of AU-IBAR, who was represented by Obinna Anozie , why speaking at the event, said: “The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources is a specialised technical office of the African Union.