The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the appointment of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to man its affairs.
Jamoh said that with the creation of what he called “long overdue ministry”, it will give a massive boost to plans and programmes Tinubu intends to deploy.
A statement signed by NIMASA Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie and made available to Maritime Bits quoted Jamoh expressing optimism that the maritime industry is large enough to engage the teeming youths in the country adequately just as he enjoined them to take advantage of the opportunities in it.
His words: “I want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and appointing Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to man its affairs. There are new opportunities around us, and I’m glad Nigeria, with the creation of this ministry, will explore the concept of the blue economy.
“The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. Blue economy activities include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.”
“Honestly, this ministry is long overdue, more importantly, to support the diversification of the economy. Efficient management and sustainable exploitation of the marine resources in our seas and oceans, no doubt, provide a veritable tool for economic growth.”