Oyetola, Nigeria's Minister of Marine and Blue Economy
There is a need for the government to invest more in scientific research and innovation which is crucial for developing effective solutions to oceanic challenges.
Akanbi Williams, Director of International Ocean Institute, Nigeria Centre (IOI-Nigeria), made this submission in a presentation on Tuesday, June 11, during an event organised to mark 2024 World Ocean Day in Lagos.
He said: “Increased funding for marine research, supporting the development and deployment of technologies that can monitor and mitigate the impact of human activities on the ocean, and encouraging public participation in scientific research through citizen science programmes are critical to advancing our understanding and protection of the ocean.
“The science we have has taken us thus far, we need to leverage this to develop and advance new science that will give us the ocean we want.”
In his opening remarks, Sule Abiodun, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), noted that 2024 World Ocean Day, with the theme, “Awaken New Depths,” is both a call to action and a reminder of the vast, unexplored potential that our oceans hold.
Represented by Dr. Patience Obatola, NIOMR’s Director of Research and Fisheries Resources, Abiodun stated: “It challenges us to deepen our understanding, enhance our stewardship, and innovate in ways that ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources for generations to come.
“Our shared mandates in ocean matters have fostered a strong and productive relationship, enabling us to advance ocean research, promote sustainable practices, and influence policies that protect our marine environments. Together, we have made significant strides in understanding and conserving our ocean ecosystems, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to yield positive outcomes for the future.”
Towing a similar path, Dr Awwal Bamanga of the Department of Maritime Environment Management, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), thinks that all relevant agencies must actively achieve desired results in the blue economy.
Dr. Bamanga, while delivering a paper titled: “Blue Economy: Balancing Economic Growth and Ocean Health”, said: “Specifically, NIMASA must guarantee zero tolerance for non-compliance with marine safety and security standards to eliminate sub-standard shipping in Nigeria.
“We must also seek effective collaboration between the private and public stakeholders within the marine sector.”
High points of the event were the presentation of awards and gifts to winners of the Essays and Craft Competition between some selected schools the inspection of crafts and the exhibition of recycling, upcycling and waste-to-wealth products.
