VAM News Update
THE Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed plans to utilise Nigerian inland waterways for transportation.
Speaking in Abuja while resuming office at the newly created ministry, Oyetola stated that “we must come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our inland rivers, lakes, and waterways are well utilised, both in terms of cargo shipment and passenger transportation.
“This can be done by embarking on a holistic dredging campaign for most of our strategically important inland waterways so as to make them navigable for the passage of goods and people.
“We equally have a duty to promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority”.
The Minister further noted that “our oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet’s surface, holding the key to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and technological innovation.
“As we look ahead, my vision is rooted in the responsible management and utilisation of our marine resources to benefit not only our economy but also the health of our planet,” he stated.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was created out of the Ministry of Transportation by the Bola-Ahmed Tinubu administration.
It is expected that the ministry will focus on and harness the potential within the maritime sector for the growth of the industry and the economy of the country at large.
