L-R: Hon. Dr. A.A. Sule, represented a former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau; Chief Vinmartin Iloh, CEO of Signature Television, Abuja; Dr. (Mrs) Mercy Ilori, Director, Maritime, Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy, Abuja represented Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola; Prof. Ike Agbaeze, who represented the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam; Convener of the 2nd Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Prof. Florence Orabueze, and others during the 2nd Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Tony Adibe
By Tony Adibe
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to harnessing the full potential of the marine economy for job creation and economic prosperity.
Oyetola said this in a keynote address to the 2nd Hybrid International Conference of the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus on Wednesday in Enugu. The two-day conference is themed: “Navigating the Future: Anchoring Sustainability While Bridging the Gap Between Economic Growth and Marine Preservation.”
The minister, represented by Director, Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Mercy Ilori, said that the establishment of the ministry was a strategic step toward unlocking Nigeria’s vast maritime potential beyond oil and gas.
“As we chart this new course, sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and inclusive community engagement must remain at the core of our initiatives. In line with this, the ministry has taken deliberate steps to strengthen the regulatory, legal, institutional and policy frameworks for the management and development of the sector.
“We have painstakingly devoted attention to the crafting of a sound policy framework to govern and direct the sector. We have ensured that both the process and outcomes are given diligent attention. Our approach has been to guarantee a comprehensive and holistic National Policy for the Marine and Blue Economy,” he said.
According to him, currently the ministry and its agencies are implementing programmes in marine environmental protection to combat pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Oyetola noted that the ministry was leveraging private sector resources and technology to drive an agenda aimed at modernising the infrastructure and systems.
“Some of the initiatives included: Modernisation and reconstruction of the Western and Eastern Ports. This effort is expected to generate over 20,000 direct employment opportunities.
“Facilitation of the development of Fish Terminal/Harbour, Inland Dry Ports, modern shipyards, the establishment of a National Shipping Carrier, a host of digital platforms for the management of sector transactions; all through private sector led initiatives,” he added.
The minister said that the theme of the conference was relevant and significant; while commending the Institute for its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in maritime space.
Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, noted that the country’s oceans and coastal zones are more than just resources; “they are the lifeblood of global commerce, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.”
Ujam, represented by Prof. Ike Agbaeze, said that in an era of rapid industrialisation and environmental challenges, “it demands our collective responsibility and determination to ensure that economic development does not imperil our planet’s health, particularly our oceans and seas.
The vice chancellor lauded the institute and its management for pushing forward the frontier of scholarly knowledge and research on marine economy and opening up the sector for the benefit of all. A former Governor of Kano State and one-time minister of Education, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau said that as a former minister of education, he has always believed in the power of education research and strategic policy making in driving national progress.
Shekarau, who was represented by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. A.A. Sule and Dr Khali Sanusi, wished the national conference would engage in fruitful deliberations and constructive discussions that would lead to impactful resolutions that would contribute to the advancement of Maritime Studies, policy, and national development.
The former education minister restated that he remained passionate about the role of knowledge and capacity building in enhancing Nigeria’s Maritime industry which is critical pillars of our economics to “encourage this distinguished gathering to continue collaboration between academic, Government and industry for sustainable Maritime development.”
Shekarau thanked the organisers for their commitment to this Noble cause, and was optimistic that the conference would “yield far reaching benefits for our nation and the global Maritime sector.”
In a welcome address, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Florence Orabueze, noted that the rapid growth of the global economy had driven an increased demand for marine resources and maritime activities. Orabueze said, “Our oceans, seas, and coastal zones are vital for international trade, energy, food security, and biodiversity; yet they face unprecedented pressures from overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.
“We must reconcile economic development with the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems. This conference serves as a dynamic platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue and develop strategies that balance economic progress with marine conservation.”
The opening ceremony featured, amongst other things, a Lead Paper titled: “Blue Economy – New Opportunities for Nigeria,” presented by Prof. Christian Madu, a renowned global Professor of Environment and Climate Change. There was also Fellowship Awards of the Institute conferred on the Minister and former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, among others.
