Nigeria, AU Set To Establish National Blue Economy Strategy

The federal government, in collaboration with the African Union, through the African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), is set to create a national Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria.

This was revealed by the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola at stakeholders consultative workshop to define priority issues for development of National Blue Economy Strategy for Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking at the event, the minister said: “Considering the huge potentials of the national marine resources, the institutionalisation of the expanded partnership committee on sustainable blue economy in Nigeria was approved with the view to develop a strategic plan for the national blue economy. This is what has eventually resulted in the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we gather here to review the draft strategy document for the Marine and Blue Economy sector. This workshop comes at a time when we are harmonizing governance structures, developing strategies and plans of action for promoting blue economy development initiatives and this strategy document is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for harnessing the potential of our oceans while safeguarding its health for the present and future generations.”

On the challenges facing the sector, the minister said, “As we all are aware, the blue economy presents significant challenges and promising opportunities for sustainable development. One of the greatest challenges lies in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Over-exploitation of marine resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change threaten the health and resilience of ocean ecosystems.

“Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change.
However, within these challenges lie significant opportunities. The blue economy has the potential to drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty, particularly in coastal and island communities. By harnessing the vast potential of our oceans sustainably, we can unlock new sources of economic value, such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and biotechnology.”

Also speaking at the event, the director of AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih, who was represented by Obinna Anozie said: “The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources is a specialised technical office of the African Union.

Commission that has the continental mandate for coordinating the development of animal resources (livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and wildlife), for the well-being and prosperity of the citizens of this great continent of ours. One of the core functions of AU-IBAR, as enshrined in its current 2018-2023 Strategic plan is to strengthen policy formulation and harmonisation in Africa.

“Accordingly, the institution has spearheaded the formulation of key continental frameworks, including the Livestock Development Strategy in Africa (LiDESA), the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), The African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) and more recently the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES). These continental frameworks and mechanisms are officially endorsed by the African Union Heads of States and Governments followed by recommendations to support their implementation or rolling out in the continent.”