The League of Maritime Editors (LME) has congratulated the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on his appointment by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
In a congratulatory message signed by the President, Chief Timothy Okorocha and the Secretary, Mr Felix Kumuyi, the League wished the new Minister success in his national assignment
The Editors said Oyetola is coming to the industry at a time his wealth of experience is most needed considering his achievements while he was Governor.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of League, Mr Francis Ugwoke, the Minister was reminded of the task ahead of him, pointing out that the marine sector has huge potential requiring strong political will from the government to develop.
The League urged the Minister to ensure that he engages knowledgeable maritime stakeholders if he is to succeed in realizing the expectations of the sector.
The League appreciated the new Minister over a statement credited to him where he expressed his commitment to ensure that oceans and marine remain safe, reliable and sustainable.
Part of the statement reads, “We are also happy when the new Minister said “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”. The statement speaks volumes that the Minister is already aware of the vast resources in the marine sector and this means he has to do the needful to develop the sector. We are not unaware that the sector may be valued at over 2 trillion Dollars per year globally. All we expect is ideal policies that will make Nigeria benefit from the potential”.
The League also urged the Minister to consider some of the policy decisions taken by the former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Muazu Sambo and ensure that they are not swept under the carpet.
For instance, the League urged the new Minister to ensure that the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) is implemented for the development of the sector.
“Other policies include ports infrastructure rehabilitation by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), deep seaports projects, road network reconstruction, among others. These projects should continue to ensure ports efficiency as obtains in global ports”, the statement said.