Oyetola Lauds SCAN, Says Dockworkers Day Celebration Will Guide Policy Formulation
By Sulaimon Salau
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola has lauded the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), stating that the annual Dockworkers Day celebration will enable government to take appropriate policy decisions that will sustain the great strides already achieved in the maritime industry.
Delivering the keynote address on Thursday during the 2024 SCAN Dockworkers Day celebration, the minister who was represented by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, said that the Dockworkers Day event is coming at a time the Federal Government has committed to maximally harness potentials in marine and blue economy sectors to ensure improved productivity, creation of jobs for teeming youths, increase in revenue generation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in order to attain sustainable development in the country.
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, “It gives me great pleasure to be present at this gathering to deliver the keynote address as the special guest of honour at the 2024 Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Dockworkers’ Day with the theme “Dockworkers: Key to Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy”.
“It is my hope that this event would enable stakeholders in the maritime space to dialogue on issues affecting the port and maritime sector.
“This event is coming at a time the present administration has committed to maximally harnessing potentials in marine and blue economy sectors to ensure improved productivity, creation of jobs for our teeming youths, increase in revenue generation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in order to attain sustainable development in the country.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I use this occasion to sincerely appreciate the organizers of this event; the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) and those who support their commitment to the welfare and the capacity building of our dockworkers. I want to assure you of the support and collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in this regard.
“As you are all aware, the maritime sector plays a pivotal and significant role in the socio economic development of the country. I wish to emphasize that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration and its mandate will continue to pursue vigorously the development of the shipping, maritime and related sectors in order to ensure sustainable development. In addition, the Ministry will ensure that the Agencies under its supervision implement necessary projects and programmes to help in achieving Ministry’s deliverables signed with Mr. President.
“The Federal Government through the Ministry will continue to create enabling environment to encourage the participation of the Private Sector in order to address the infrastructural gaps in the maritime sector to enhance service delivery. This is necessary to be able to attain the goals, enhance opportunities and harness the immense benefits in the sector.
“It is my hope that this event would set the agenda that would enable Government to take appropriate policy decisions that will sustain our already great strides in the maritime industry.
“I would also reiterate my sincere appreciation to the organizers of this meeting for creating a platform to enable stakeholders in the maritime sector deliberate and offer solutions to the challenges and enhancement of the sector. It is my hope and expectation that this meeting will proffer solutions and recommendations that will help in adding value to the maritime sector.”
