The office of the Nigerian Blue economy is set to hold a broad-based stakeholders’ final validation workshop, starting from the 14th-16th of October, 2024.
This is in a statement released by the African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, on Monday, today the 17th of October, 2024.
Details of the statement has it that, the workshop brings together key players to verify the plan and promote long-term growth and development in the country by taking advantage of the country’s abundant maritime resources.
It further added that, the first validation workshop will focus on addressing issues pertaining to blue tourism, fisheries, sustainable energy, governance, and shipping.
“Welcome remarks will be provided by Mr Georges Asseko from the African Union on the first day, followed by opening statements by Mr Obinna Anozie and the Hon. Minister in charge of the Blue Economy in Nigeria, Gboyega Oyetola. This session introduces the workshop, its goals, and the significance of the Blue Economy in Nigeria. It sets the stage for the rest of the day.
“Proceeding with Dr Patrick Karani’s overview of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, the technical talks will follow. The expert then lays out the next steps for implementing the Blue Economy Strategy that Nigeria has drafted. Participants then divide into smaller groups to focus on certain topics, such as sustainable energy, governance, blue tourism, fisheries, and shipping, following a period of group discussion and photographic opportunities" the statement read.
It also stated that the workshop will come to a close with a communique of adoption, strategy validation, and concluding discussions, all of which will lay the groundwork for the future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“Group reviews of the proposed strategy’s implementation plan will carry over into the second day. Sustainable ecosystems, creative funding, and good governance are just a few of the areas that undergo in-depth evaluation by participants. Participation in the strategy and cross-sectoral collaboration is fostered through open dialogue in which rapporteurs from each group present their results.
“As the event draws to a close, the National Blue Economy Strategy, its implementation plan, and the governance coordination mechanism are likely to be presented by the Director or Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Last but not least, the workshop will end with a communique adoption, strategy validation, and concluding discussions, all of which will lay the groundwork for the future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy"
The Blue Economy is one of the newest ministries established in the country by President Bola Tinubu, to attend to Developmental possibilities in the maritime sector looking at the potentials available in the country.
