World Bank to partner Nigeria to develop the maritime sector

The World Bank has expressed its commitment to partner with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in order to develop the maritime sector.

The World Bank team, led by Ms. Lia Sieghart on Wednesday made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the minister, Adegboyega Oyetola at the ministry to discuss the government’s vision for the development of a sustainable and integrated blue economy and sustainable fisheries as well as identify areas where the World Bank could provide expertise and knowledge.

Sieghart lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the ministry, noting that it was a strong indication that the Nigerian government was desirous of developing the sector.

In his response, the minister thanked the team for the visit and briefed them on the steps taken to map the country’s marine and Blue Economy resources, and also briefed the team that developing the fishery and aquaculture remains uppermost priority of the ministry.

According to the minister “Fishery is the flagship of ministry. We are doing everything to regulate the activities in that sector. We are designating terminals for fishing activities.

“We want to do a sustainable fishery programme on a sustainable basis and make it attractive to the youths. We intend to reduce importation and encourage production here, in Nigeria.

“Therefore, we are willing and ready to have you support our efforts, so as to realise our vision for the ministry”.

The minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi; Director, Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata; and Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, Technical aide to the minister, among others were in attendance at the meeting with the World Bank team.