The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reposition the nation’s maritime sector in line with its agenda for economic growth and development.
While addressing member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Monday at the 33rd session of its General Assembly in London, Oyetola disclosed that his ministry has already mapped out plans in the area of security, marine environment management, climate action and human capital development to revamp the maritime industry.
He said the new Ministry had already made significant strides in the quest to put in place a more progressive and dynamic maritime sector nationally, regionally, and internationally.
In the area of national security initiatives, he said, “We have enacted a dedicated legislation, the Suppression of Piracy and Other Offences Act, which fortifies the legal framework and the implementation of the Integrated National Surveillance and Waterways Protection Solution, known as the deep blue project, which further enhances maritime security with its command-and-control infrastructure.”
He said the deep blue project has continued to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and contributed to the significant drop in the number of security incidents in Nigerian waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea, which he said was achieved in collaboration with member states, stakeholders and the IMO.
The Minister also said that Nigeria remains committed to working with other member states in the implementation of strategies to curb climate change.
“Nigeria notes the 2023 strategy on Green House Gas emissions adopted at the MEPC 80 which demonstrates the spirit of friendship, compromise and consensus amongst member states,” Oyetola said.
He also informed the assembly of Nigeria’s intention to seek election into Category C of the IMO Council in 2025.