Abuja: The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged agencies of the ministry to align and prioritise their 2025 budget proposals to ensure massive and impactful development. Oyetola gave the charge in a statement by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Public Relations, on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized that the budget proposals must align with the pillars of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and the 2021-2025 National Development Plan. He urged the agencies to demonstrate transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic prioritisation in their 2025 budget proposals.
Oyetola stated, “Our fiscal strategy must reflect the ambitions outlined in our policy framework. We are tasked with ensuring that every Naira allocated delivers a measurable impact. I hope that the 2025 budget will not only provide for the immediate needs of the Ministry/Agencies, but will serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine resource management and long-term national economic growth.”
He expressed optimism that the budget proposals would further consolidate the plan of the ministry to develop Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potentials. The marine and blue economy sector holds significant potentials for national development, providing a sustainable platform for economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
He added that attaining these goals aligns with the key priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu as it relates to marine and blue economy. Oyetola highlighted the need to channel resources towards strengthening the maritime domain through investments in surveillance systems, operations, and enforcement of maritime laws.
Oyetola also emphasized enhancing capacity in aquaculture, fishing ports, and curbing illegal and unregulated fishing activities in the sector. Other priority areas, such as promoting oceanographic research, stock assessment, renewable marine energy, and climate resilience technologies, should be at the forefront for the agencies.
The minister mentioned that the drafted National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy remains the roadmap for guiding collective efforts towards the sustainable management of marine resources. The roadmap will also guide climate adaptation, technological innovation, and enhanced governance in the sector.
“This policy embodies our commitment to international best practices and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasises the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources,” Oyetola said.
The agencies represented at the meeting with the minister included Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.