Blue Economy Ministry, NIMASA, Committed to Promoting Industry Partnerships – Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has stated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is fully committed to promoting partnerships with industry players, driving innovation, and championing sustainability.

Oyetola made this statement during his opening address at the Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja.

A statement by NIMASA Head of Public Relations Department, Osagie Edward FNIPR, quoted the Minister as saying:

“Government-private sector partnerships are vital to unlocking the maritime sector’s full potential,” while emphasizing that effective harnessing of the vast potential of the nation’s marine resources is a crucial step in diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

He stated that the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a mineral-based one presents opportunities for Nigeria to leverage its marine resources, particularly wave and tidal energy, to generate clean energy. He noted that this shift could significantly contribute to the nation’s energy needs.

According to the Minister, “Nigeria’s establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 demonstrates our commitment to diversifying our economy and capitalizing on the global surge in deep-sea exploration. As a major oil-producing country with an extensive coastline and inland waterways, we cannot afford to lag in this new frontier.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, Oyetola explained that the workshop is aimed to raise awareness among key stakeholders in the sector about the significance of deep seabed exploration and exploitation.

On his part, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and relevant MDAs, will ensure Nigeria’s compliance with global standards.

Speaking on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, Dr. Mobereola noted that the need to amend the Act to reflect relevant provisions of the ISA’s model of legislation on exploration and exploitation could not be overemphasized.

He acknowledged the commitment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to ensuring the full implementation of relevant legislative frameworks for the sustainable use of the marine environment and safety standards.

“We remain committed to ensuring that relevant legislative frameworks on the sustainable use of the Marine Environment and Safety standards are fully implemented,” he said.

In attendance at the Workshop were representatives of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Border Commission (NBC), International Seabed Authority, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, among others.

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R-L – Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi, Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director of Manning, Naval HQ, Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, and the Director, Marine Environment Management, NIMASA, Mr. Heaky Dimowo, at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja … Wednesday.

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R-L – Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE), Mr. Babatunde Bombata, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals/Steel Development, Mrs. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary, FMM&BE, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola and former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Seabed Authority, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno. At the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja … Wednesday.

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R-L – Director, Maritime Boundary Commission, Mr. Nurudeen Abba, Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BM), Mr. Babatunde Bombata; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals/Steel Development, Mrs. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary, FMM&BM, Mr, Oloruntola Olufemi; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Seabed Authority, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno. At the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities in Nigeria, held in Abuja … Wednesday.

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R-L: Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Seabed Authority, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Director, Maritime Boundary Commission, Mr. Nurudeen Abba; Special Adviser to the Minister of Niger-Delta Hon. Chief ‘Wole Iroaye; Rear Admiral C.E Okafor (Rtd); and Professor Babajide Alo, Department of Chemistry University of Lagos. At the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Deep Seabed Activities