Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN has inaugurated an Expanded Partnership Committee on Sustainable Blue Economy at the Presidential Villa, bringing together State Governors, Ministers, senior military and security officials, and private sector representatives. The Committee, chaired by the Vice President, is set to further explore the economic opportunities available through oceanic and marine resources across the country.
"The blue economy offers a whole new vista of opportunity for economic activity, especially in areas close to oceans, rivers and coasts, but more importantly, practically everywhere has some body of water that can be exploited," said Prof. Osinbajo. The Blue Economy encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems, including emerging renewable energy, seabed extraction, and marine biotechnology.
The Committee includes representatives from across the geo-political zones, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Comptroller-General of Customs, NIMASA, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Petroleum, and the Ministry of Environment, among others. Notable attendees included Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Niyi Adebayo.
