Dakuku Identifies Factors Militating against Blue Economy

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has stated that lack of knowledge and policy framework and investment on the part of successive governments have been the major reasons why the benefits of blue economy are yet to be maximised in Nigeria.

Blue economy refers to natural maritime endowments which promote fisheries, aquatic life, oil and gas, water transportation and other mineral deposits under the sea.

The NIMASA boss, therefore tasked the federal government to be committed to introducing a framework that will drive what will lead to the utilisation of the potential of the blue economy.

He stated this while addressing maritime journalists at a seminar in Lagos tagged, ‘The Role of Journalists in Developing the Blue Economy.’

The NIMASA boss stressed that the media should enlighten the people on the benefits of the blue economy.

He pointed out that ocean resources were enormous and can sustain the economy but added that people were not taking advantage because of lack of knowledge.

According to him, “Nigeria is truly endowed in maritime resources. But over the years, there has not been sufficient and deliberate efforts in terms of putting in place the right policy framework, creating awareness and favourable investment climate that would engender the taping of these huge resources to the benefit of the people.”

He identified job creation, eco-tourism, debt swaps and green ports as some of the tools and opportunities of blue economy sector in Africa.

Peterside said blue economy will bring sustainable business opportunities, circular economy, resource efficiency, and conservation of development, adding that all these were good for the national economy.