Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has highlighted the achievements of his ministry as he marked his 72nd birthday, citing progress in maritime security, fish production, port modernisation and the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Oyetola spoke on Tuesday at a special birthday prayer session at his country home in Iragbiji, Osun State, attended by political associates, party leaders, family members and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The minister thanked Almighty Allah for sparing his life and allowing him to witness another year, while expressing appreciation to his family, friends and political associates for celebrating with him.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying Nigeria’s vast marine resources could contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation.
According to Oyetola, the ministry was created to harness the potential of the country’s 853-kilometre coastline, about 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways and other marine resources for economic development and environmental sustainability.
He said that within three years of its establishment, the ministry had developed a robust policy framework to guide investment in the Marine and Blue Economy sector, which was subsequently approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Oyetola also cited gains in maritime security and safety, describing Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after about 15 years as a major milestone.
He said fish production had risen from 1.1 million metric tonnes to 1.4 million metric tonnes, while the government was also building the capacity of local fishermen and working to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fish.
On inland waterways, the minister said the government had intensified safety advocacy and the distribution of life jackets, alongside measures to remove rickety boats and curb overloading in a bid to reduce boat mishaps.
He added that the government was modernising existing ports to improve their draft levels and enable them to handle larger vessels. The programme, he said, covered the Apapa, Tin Can, Onne, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports.
Oyetola explained that inadequate draft levels at some Nigerian ports were costing the country revenue, with efforts under way to increase the draft from about 13 metres to at least 16 metres.
He further disclosed that the ministry was facilitating the development of additional deep sea ports, noting that he recently witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for the development of a deep-sea port with a draft of not less than 18 metres.
He said the projects would improve efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time and stimulate trade and wider economic activity.
Also speaking at the event, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, the APC governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun election, described Oyetola as his boss, leader and mentor.
Oyebamiji prayed for longevity, good health, grace and blessings for the minister, while commending him for what he described as his generosity towards indigent people and party members.
Oyebamiji also thanked Oyetola for his support for people across the state, particularly indigent residents and party members, and prayed for his continued good health and long life.