Oyetola Unveils National Policy For Marine and Blue Economy as FG Targets One Million Jobs for Sector by 2034

Oyetola Unveils National Policy For Marine and Blue Economy as FG Targets One Million Jobs for Sector by 2034

 

In a significant move towards enhancing Nigeria's economic landscape, the Federal Government has announced its ambitious target of creating one million jobs in the marine and blue economy sector by 2034. This was unveiled in the new National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, *Adegboyega Oyetola*, during an event held in Lagos today.

The policy document, obtained by Slye News, outlines a plan to generate 100,000 new jobs annually (both direct and indirect) through growth in marine and blue economy activities. Recognizing the pressing issue of unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria, the policy emphasizes that the marine and blue economy will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by aiming to create up to one million jobs by 2034.

The document highlights numerous opportunities within the blue economy, including construction jobs linked to port infrastructure modernization, employment for ship crews on new locally owned vessels, and positions in fish cold storage facilities to be established nationwide. 

Importantly, the policy aims to ensure that 50% of the new jobs created are for youth aged 18 to 35, with a target that 70% of these positions are filled by women and individuals with special needs.

The National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy seeks to unlock the potential of Nigeria's marine resources, setting an annual growth target of 7% for the sector. It outlines a vision to be realized over a ten-year period from 2025 to 2034, focusing on three core missions:

1. **Driving Economic Growth and Inclusive Prosperity**: Ensuring that the marine and blue economy significantly contributes to Nigeria's GDP and growth targets.
  
2. **Facilitating Knowledge-Led Innovations**: Leveraging science and technology to deploy sustainable initiatives within the marine sector.

3. **Ensuring Healthy Marine Ecosystems and Sustainability**: Developing a blue economy that yields essential benefits for both current and future generations.

Oyetola stated that the vision for the marine and blue economy aligns with the aspirations of Nigerians for economic growth and diversification. He emphasized the importance of adopting best international practices aimed at inclusive growth, innovative solutions, and environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the stakeholders' forum, Oyetola described the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the National Policy as a major turning point, providing a structured framework to unlock value across Nigeria’s vast marine ecosystems, including areas such as port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, coastal tourism, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

He highlighted the necessity for inter-agency coordination, accountability mechanisms, and capacity building, asserting that citizen engagement and shared ownership are vital for the policy's success. 

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