Tinubu’s enthusiasm for marine and blue economy opportunities highlighted by Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed President Bola Tinubu’s keen interest in harnessing the potential of the marine and blue economy sector. Oyetola made this announcement in a statement regarding the 43rd Annual Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable of the Nigerian Port Authority.

Oyetola stated, “This gathering of maritime experts is very timely, as it is coming when Nigeria is eager to provide the leadership necessary to convert our marine and blue economy potentials into actual opportunities for our growing youth population.”

He further emphasized, “To demonstrate the premium we place on maximizing the emerging opportunities of AfCFTA, which is the focal point of the conference, we have given the Nigerian Ports Authority all the support necessary for flawless hosting.”

Mohammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, also highlighted the conference’s significance for Nigeria’s economy. He said, “Our confidence in hosting this conference is a demonstration of our readiness to provide regional leadership in port competitiveness and is inspired by the uncommon trade facilitation orientation of Mr. President, who is already endorsing some of our initiatives for the maximization of our littoral assets under the auspices of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”

The conference, scheduled to take place from November 6 to 9, 2023, at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, will host representatives from 24 littoral African countries. The event will be inaugurated by President Tinubu and is themed “The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).” It will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge.