There is untapped potential in blue economy — FG

The federal government has urged youths, particularly undergraduates, to take advantage of the numerous job opportunities available in the nation’s maritime sector.

It also promised to open up the sector through specialised training and certification programmes from within and outside the country.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, dropped this hint in his keynote address on the immense potential of Nigeria’s blue economy and its role in youth empowerment at the University of Lagos’ Employment Clinic conference, held on Thursday.

Oyetola who stated that there are many kinds of untapped potential of Nigeria’s blue economy urged the youths to explore these opportunities, pursue their passions, and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

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This is just as the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, assured that the agency would continue to invest in capacity development and projects targeted at the youths.

The conference tagged, “Blue Industry Career Insights,” was organised by the university in collaboration with Employment Clinic, under the Employment Transition Programme (EETP) of the university.

The minister then tasked the students to take advantage of the potential in the maritime sector so as to contribute immensely to the diversification initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The blue economy is not just about the sea; it is about the myriad of opportunities that lie within it. Our youth must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to harness these opportunities and drive Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the event as a history-making one, designed to hone the career trajectory of the undergraduates.

The NIMASA DG stated that the agency is working at concluding the construction of the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos building which is almost at a 70 per cent completion stage.