FG SEEKS WIDER PARTICIPATION IN BLUE ECONOMY, INAUGURATES EXPANDED COMMITTEE

trade, tourism and recreation, carbon sequestration and coastal protection. These industries and ecosystem services do not develop in isolation, but rather interact as an economic ecosystem, “the Vice President said.

In his opening remark, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi

Amaechi said the blue economy is capable of improving government revenue, create employments and grow the gross domestic product of Nigeria.

Amaechi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene

Ajani, also expressed optimism in the copious benefits derivable from a well-exploited marine environment

Speaking at the event, Secretary General of Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu lauded initiative of the expansion while recommending inclusion of financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and African Development Bank (AfDB) and key financial institutions that will contribute meaningfully to realizing Nigeria’s Blue Economy objective.

Aside maritime agencies like

Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the expanded committee also comprised of ten state governors including Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, Bayelsa and Edo States.

Other members are Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power, Finance, Environment, Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Water Resources , Chief of Naval Staff, Comptroller General of Customs, Lake Chad Basin Commission, Nigeria Economic Summit Group and others.