Terminal Operators Pledge Support for New Blue Economy Minister

The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria has promised to fully support the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to harness the potential of the maritime sector.

The Chairman of STOAN, Vicky Haastrup, while disclosing this in a statement on Sunday, also congratulated the former Osun State governor on his appointment and swearing-in as Nigeria’s pioneer minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

She said Oyetola’s pedigree in the private sector and public service stands him in good stead to lead the efforts of harnessing Nigeria’s blue economy.

“We are particularly happy with the appointment of His Excellency Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

“Given his rich pedigree in governance and public service, hard work, and unflinching commitment to excellence, we are confident that he will reposition the Nigerian maritime industry for optimum performance,” Haastrup said.

The STOAN chairman said the maritime industry had the potential to earn more than a trillion dollars annually for the country, as well as support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians.

Haastrup said, “Marine activities include navigation, nautical, naval, and maritime services while blue economy refers to all the economic activities related to oceans, seas, and other bodies of water.

“The new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has come onstream to take charge of the overall contribution of the seas, oceans, and inland waterways to the Nigerian economy; regulating the environmental and ecological sustainability of the oceans; and harnessing Nigeria’s ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and job creation while preserving the health of the oceans’ ecosystem.”

According to her, the major components of Marine & Blue Economy included shipping/maritime transport, port operation, coastal tourism, fishing and aquaculture, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries, deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.

She said the new minister had a very broad spectrum adding that the opportunities were huge.

“We thank His Excellency President Bola Tinubu for acceding to the requests of maritime operators who have made the case for a ministry fully dedicated to the sector.

“The appointment of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola also gives us confidence that the President wants accelerated development of the sector. In line with the President’s vision, we assure the Federal Government and the Honourable Minister of our full support and unflinching commitment.

“All port terminal operators are on the same page with the Federal Government with regards to accelerating the development of the sector to enable it to make a more significant contribution to the nation’s economy,” Haastrup said.