Right of Reply: A Case for Quality Leadership in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy: An Open Letter to Adegboyega Oyetola
Dear Elder Asu Beks,
Happy New Year. Your open letter to His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola is well received and appreciated. It is heartwarming to know that you, as a renowned stakeholder in the sector, also acknowledge the accomplishments of His Excellency, not only the immediate past Governor of Osun State, but also in his current role as pioneer Minister of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
It is pertinent to address the issues you raised in your letter, which was published online and in the SUN Newspapers.
As many stakeholders have affirmed, since he was appointed to steer the Ministry, Oyetola has continued to demonstrate dedication and commitment towards unlocking the huge potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sectors, in driving national economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration.
For instance, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, which you mentioned, is very much in track. The CVFF is a fund established under section 42 of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 to promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition capacity and to provide credit facilities to local maritime operators.
However, it should be restated that this issue has been addressed. But for the records, let’s bring it to your attention again.
Although the fund was established in 2003 to support indigenous shipowners in acquisition of vessels and grow local capacity within the sector, is yet to be disbursed, the current administration is making efforts to ensure this. It is fact that the CVFF, remains intact and securely held (on behalf of the Federal Government) at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, is actively working with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that the CVFF is utilized in line with its statutory purpose. Stakeholders should be rest assured of the safety of the funds and that due process will be followed in its disbursement. The Minister ius fully committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the growth of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy ecosystem.
Similarly, the final draft of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy is been reviewed and will be duly transmitted when due to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), before it becomes a public document. This is the due process. So, it would be putting the cart before the horse to publicly release a national policy document before it has been officially approved by the FEC. As a matter of fact, the final draft was a major agenda at the Honourable Minister’s meeting last week with the Heads of Agencies overseen by the Ministry.
Like the Honourable Minister noted in one of the stakeholders’ validation sessions, the national policy document reflects the inputs of a wide range of stakeholders, including industry experts, academia, civil society, an international partners. The policy, which provides a holistic and integrated framework for achieving sustainable economic diversification, will further help to develop Nigeria’s maritime sector, through creating sustainable pathway for economic growth in fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, tourism, while also ensuring environmental sustainability, among other gains. This is already public information. Once the FEC approves the policy document, then it can be made available to critical stakeholders.
Similarly, the N50 billion NIMASA Floating Dock, which has the capacity to handle about 10,000 Metric Tons vessels, is also on track to resume operations. Like the Managing Director, NIMASA, noted recently, the agency is currently working on putting the floating dock to good use. As you are aware of such, there is need to properly dot the ‘i’s and cross the t’s to ensure the right procedures in resuming its operations. The Minister has given a clear directive on this and the relevant agency is ramping efforts to ensure its prompt delivery.
As you rightly pointed out, the Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Authority Bill was recently passed into law by the House of Representatives and awaiting concurrence in the Senate. When passed into law, the Port Economic Regulations bill – under the mandate of the Nigerian Shippers Council – will promote efficiency and streamline processes in the nation’s maritime sector. Let’s give it some time, as relevant government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry are fully in support of the bill.
Good things sometimes take time to come to fruition. But due process must be followed. Under the leadership of the His Excellency, Oyetola, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and its agencies are making concerted efforts, through several initiatives, to fast-track development across the maritime sector. As a stakeholder, your consistent support is crucial. In the same vein, we urge all stakeholders to continue to support the laudable efforts of the Minister in achieving these milestones and sustainable development in the sector for our country’s progress.
Media Office,
Of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy