Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has expressed his commendation for the establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry under the leadership of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a move he hails as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria’s economic advancement.
Leadership revealed that, Dr. Jamoh lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to carve out this crucial ministry, citing its potential to align with the government’s development initiatives and alleviate economic challenges. He believes that the long-anticipated creation of the ministry will provide a platform to bolster development plans and reduce economic hardships faced by the nation.
Dr. Jamoh, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s maritime sector, emphasized the vast potential for job creation, particularly for the country’s youth, through the enhanced activities fostered by the newly formed ministry. He sees NIMASA, under his guidance, as a pivotal player capable of contributing significantly to youth employment and empowerment.
Highlighting the concept of the “blue economy,” Dr. Jamoh elaborated on its significance as the sustainable utilization of oceanic resources to drive economic growth, elevate livelihoods, and generate employment, all while maintaining the ecological health of marine ecosystems. The array of activities encompassed by the blue economy, including maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries, deep sea mining, marine genetic resources, and biotechnology, presents a wealth of avenues for growth and prosperity.
Dr. Jamoh expressed the timeliness of establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry in the current economic landscape, stressing that the efficient management and sustainable utilization of marine resources hold the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification objectives.
He affirmed, “Efficient management and sustainable exploitation of the marine resources in our seas and oceans, no doubt, provide a veritable tool for Economic Growth.” As Nigeria navigates its course towards economic transformation and resilience, Dr. Bashir Jamoh stands as an advocate for harnessing the potential of the blue economy, propelling the nation toward a prosperous future.
