W’Bank partners ministry on maritime sector development

The World Bank Group has expressed its desire to partner with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to develop Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Announcing this in a statement on Wednesday, an aide to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Ismail Omipdan, said the move was in line with the vision of the ministry.

Leading a team of the World Bank Group on a courtesy visit to the blue economy minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ms Lia Sieghart, said the visit was to discuss the government’s vision for the development of a sustainable and integrated blue economy and sustainable fisheries.

“It is to also identify areas where the World Bank can provide expertise and knowledge,” she said.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the ministry, saying it was a strong signal that the Nigerian government was desirous of developing the sector.

In his response, Oyetola while appreciating the team for the visit, informed them of the steps taken to tap the country’s marine and blue economy resources.

He also informed the team that developing the fishery and aquaculture remains the topmost priority of the ministry.

“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 program on a sustainable basis and make it attractive to the youth.

“We intend to reduce importation and encourage production here, in Nigeria. Therefore, we are willing and ready to have you support our efforts, to realise our vision for the ministry,” Oyetola added.

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