World Bank Group, Says Nigeria Set to Lead Africa in Marine, Blue Economy Development

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (4th from left); Leader, World Bank team on Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Gladys Fajomu (4th from right); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola (3rd from left) and others when the World Bank team visited the Minister in his office in Abuja, recently.

The Word Bank group has expressed that Nigeria is rightly positioned to lead the Africa continent in Marine and Blue Economy development.

This stand was made known when Mrs. Gladys Fajomu led, World Bank group paid a visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

A statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, made available to our correspondent, The Honourable Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to fully harness the vast potential of its marine and blue economy, describing the sector as a catalyst for sustainable national economic growth.

Speaking when he received the visiting World Bank delegation led by Mrs. Gladys Fajomu at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister said Nigeria is “on the right path to unlocking the immense economic opportunities of its oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal resources,” following the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council.

“This policy is historic,” Oyetola stated. “It is the first of its kind, and it provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable exploitation, conservation, and governance of our marine and coastal assets. It will drive wealth creation, generate jobs, enhance food security, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s emerging blue economy space. Our goal is not just to explore the waters, but to manage them responsibly, ensuring that the benefits extend to every Nigerian, now and for generations to come.”

Highlighting food security as a key focus area, the Minister revealed that his Ministry is implementing targeted programmes to drastically reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fish importation.