Group moves to optimise benefits of blue economy in Nigeria
By Eniola Idris
Nigeria is on the verge of fully exploiting its huge untapped marine resources, as the Blue Economy Resources Nigeria Coordinating Group, expressed determination to deploy all it’s resources to optimise the benefits of the blue economy.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the group via Zoom platform Thursday, the Inaugurating Officer, and former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said the stablishment of the group marks an historic and significant moment in the nation’s quest to optimize the benefits of its blue economy.
He said government alone cannot achieve the vision of a vibrant blue economy sector that addresses the issue of sustainable development without the private sector, adding that the responsibility of optimizing the benefits of the blue economy is a shared responsibility between the government, private sector, civil society, communities, professionals and other actors.
Peterside emphasised that robust partnership by all actors has proven to be the master key to unlocking the line benefits of sustainable development of the blue economy .
Describing the blue economy as a new frontier that requires more understanding and further studies on how to integrate all sub sectors, he said professionals and private sector players are better suited to lead the research and advocacy.
“It is time to set a coherent national agenda for the nation to benefit from our coastal endowment,” he said
Peterside disclosed that some government agencies, multi- lateral and financial institutions have already expressed willingness to partner with the group to advance the beneficial impact of blue economy.
This, he said, is a “historic assignment that will redefine our economic direction in the days ahead.”
Chairman of the Board, Hajia Lami Tumaka, said the group is the culmination of enormous collective effort of the innovative Board of Directors of the company – the Blue Economy Resources Nigeria Limited, which began some months ago.
Tumaka, who is a formed director in NIMASA, said it is a private company registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She said: “Our company is in business to provide be-spoke innovations tailored towards facilitating maritime business-friendly solutions to the challenges in the emerging blue economy sector of Nigeria.
“To this end, we are poised to be Nigeria’s leading blue economy business anchor with our focus on the efficiency of our maritime policies/laws, blue economy capacity building, strategic public-private partnerships in cargo affreightment, infrastructure development, marine environment management, inter-modal transportation, marine bio-technology, ocean energy and increased indigenous cabotage participation, she stated.
Tumaka said: “We shall as a group establish networking platforms to engage critical stakeholders including the Honourable Minister of Transportation, the Heads of maritime agencies, ship owning associations, barge/boat operators, oil and gas players, maritime workers, marine environment managers and community groups. The idea being to sensitize and enlighten them on our vision and mission for the industry and ultimately their support and buy-in.”
A Maritime Lawyer and member of the Board, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anisere,sought the support of all stakeholders towards achieving the noble objectives of the group.
“Our vision to be the leading conglomerate promoting national development, economic growth and sustainability through the Blue Economy Resources Nigeria, cannot be achieved without the participation of all and sundry. Hence, our mission to build capacities, engage policy makers, implement action plans, create business and investment opportunities by facilitating strategic decisions and partnerships on maritime environment management and resource efficiency, is open to all,” she said.
The Group is chaired by a former director with NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka.
Other members are: Alhaji Munir Ja’afaru, (Madakin Zazzau); Ex-Director General, Nigerian Maritime Authority, Jean Chiazor Anishere; Mr. Temisan Omatseye, Ex-Director General NIMASA, Commodore Daniel Atakpa; Senator Grace Folashade Bent; Mr. Ojiji Oniri Onya; Alhaji Dikko Tahir Bala; Chief Michael Onuoha and Suleiman Adama, serving as secretary to the group.
