The Honorable Minister Of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has applauded the media on their role in informing and educating the Public, stating that it is the key to unlocking the full Potentials of the blue economy.
Adegboyega stated this at the annual general meeting of the League Of Maritime Editors (LOME), held on Friday 23rd August, 2024, at the Lagos Airport Hotels, Ikeja-Lagos, tagged, "RENEWED HOPE AGENDA: The Place Of Nigeria's Maritime Industry.
In his address, Oyetola commended the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for creating the ministry saying it is a clear indication of his political will to ensure that Nigeria reclaims its rightful place as a key maritime player globally.
In his words, "Maritime Industry has the potential to transform Nigeria's economy, create jobs, and improve livelihoods, with our rich coastline and strategic location, the country is well positioned to become a key hub for maritime activities in Africa.
"The creation of this Ministry therefore reflects Governments commitment to building a future where the Blue Economy plays a major role in national prosperity,"
He commended the League of Maritime Editors for their effort in bringing attention to the sectors challenges and opportunities, appealing for their continued support to portray the maritime sector as a transformative force in Nigeria's Economy, and called for ongoing engagement to keep the public informed about sector reforms and advancements
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of LOME, Chief Timothy Okorocha lamented on the attitude of industrial CEO's who always show cold shoulder anytime they are invited to participate in media organised events.
Regrettably, these CEO's who neglect to accord the maritime media their personal presence quite often host non industry media group and different camps of stakeholders within and outside the industry, but consistently throw up excuses why they are unable to set aside few hours to identify with the industry media.
He appealed that this attitude and arrogance should cease and ask that CEO's accord journalists the respect they deserve.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the digitilization of port processes and addressing key challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Barr. Pius Akuta who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics Rotimi Anifowose, noted that the recent unbundling of the Federal Ministry of Transportation into two separate entities—the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy—demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s revenue base and improving service delivery in the sector.
Akuta equally announced that over 90% of port processes in Nigeria are now automated, a significant milestone that aligns with the NSC’s mandate as the nation’s port economic regulator. He also pointed out that intra-African trade remains costly due to various bottlenecks, including poor infrastructure and cumbersome border procedures. The NSC, he said, is actively addressing these issues through the establishment of Border Information Centres (BICs), Inland Dry Ports (IDPs), Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs), to serve as a resting place for truck drivers and other road users, and setting guidelines for tarrif and stakeholders standard operating procedures, and many others
He expressed the NSC’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with the League of Maritime Editors and other stakeholders to promote and enhance Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
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