Emmanuel OchayiThe governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have announced their commitment to partner with Nigeria in the development of the newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
This partnership aims to bolster Nigeria’s economic growth through the enhancement of its marine and blue economy sectors.
Representatives from both countries conveyed their dedication to this initiative during separate meetings with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, held at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, the Senior Coordinator for Atlantic Cooperation, led the US delegation, while the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, headed the British team.
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Ambassador Lapenn, during her visit, emphasized the importance of their support. She mentioned that Minister Oyetola was the first person she visited after the ministerial meeting for Atlantic Cooperation, hosted by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Lapenn stated that the US government was eager to provide technical assistance to the ministry to promote Nigeria’s economic growth through this sector. She also highlighted plans to explore technology solutions to address challenges within the Marine and Blue Economy.
Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner, expressed the UK government’s desire to collaborate with Nigeria in combatting illegal fishing in Nigerian waters. He praised the minister’s decision to pursue public-private partnerships for investments in the sector. Montgomery affirmed the British government’s readiness to share information and offer guidance to Nigeria in protecting its marine resources.
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola expressed his gratitude to both delegations and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering coastal tourism and creating a conducive business environment. He highlighted the nation’s dedication to implementing the Atlantic Cooperation initiative declarations and addressing issues such as illegal fishing.
Oyetola also emphasized the role of marine fishing in economic growth and job creation, particularly for the country’s youth. He revealed plans to leverage the UK’s Blue Planet Fund to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty, with the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria.
He said: “We believe that marine fishing will support our economic growth and create job opportunities, especially for our youths. We will equally be leveraging the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, aimed at supporting developing countries like us to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty, especially now that there is a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in place in Nigeria,”
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