Oyetola Calls On Stakeholders To Exploit The Blue Economy Vast Potentials ...As League Of Maritime Editors Innugurates New Executive

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HIs Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on maritime stakeholders to exploit the vast potentials available in the blue economy project. 

He stated this in his keynote address at the 13th League Of Maritime Editors AGM /Seminar held their in Lagos on Friday, August 23, 2024.  The theme of this year's seminar was “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry, Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations”

The  Minister, who was represented by the  Director, Maritime Services in the ministry also analysed the journey of the marine and blue economy in the past one year of having a separate ministry with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He further called on the members of LOME to continue highlighting on the opportunities that are abound in the ministry. In his words,  “I encourage you to continue highlighting the opportunities in this space, showcasing successes, and ensuring that public and private stakeholders are held accountable. Your role in informing and educating the public will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the blue economy,; highlighting critical issues is very essential, through your platforms, you can showcase the maritime sector’s potentials and its benefits to all Nigerians".

The minister commended LOME efforts in bringing attention to the sector’s challenges and opportunities, which have “raised awareness of the blue economy’s vast possibilities,” while soliciting their continued support to portray the sector as a transformative force in Nigeria’s economy.

“Please stay engaged in reporting on maritime reforms and initiatives. We are committed to providing accurate information and supporting your efforts to keep the public informed,” he stated.

The Chairman of the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah while delivering his address reaffirmed the Council's 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, also 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.

Earlier in his welcome address, the  president of the League, High Chief Timothy Okorocha had decried the worrisome trend where Chief Executive Officers of Agencies of Federal Government operating in the Maritime industry give cold shoulders to the Maritime media when they are invited to participate in media organized events

He stated that regrettably, these  CEO's  who neglect to accord  the maritime media their personal presence quite often host non industry media groups 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 maritme journalists the respect they deserve.

Chief Okorocha further reiterated that the seminar is part of the contributions of the association to the development of the maritime sector. He added that top maritime industry stakeholders and experts have been invited to be part of the discussions on different issues affecting the marine and blue economy

One of the highlights of the occasion was the swearing-In of the newly elected executives of the League who where elected earlier organized and adjudged free and fair election which brought the first ever woman president of the League in person of Mrs Remi Itie, Publisher of Pathway Magazine.

Other members of the new executive are; Mr Friday Odoemena – Vice President, Mr Felix Kumuyi – Secretary, Chief Okey Iroegbu – Assistant Secretary, Mr Tony Ohakwe – Treasurer, Mr Godwin Obi – Financial Secretary, Mr Shola Mekusi – Welfare Officer and Mr Francis Ugwoke – Public Relations Officer.