Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the apex regulatory agency responsible for the promotion and development of Blue Economy in Nigeria, has recognised the significance of private sector participation in unlocking the business opportunities that lie within the lakes, rivers, and other water bodies in the North East.
NIMASA has therefore expressed a firm commitment to fostering partnerships with private investors who share its vision of harnessing and maximising the potentials of the blue economy in the region.
The assertion was made by the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola in a presentation titled: ‘Harnessing the Blue Economy potentials for Entrepreneurial Development: A Panacea for Youths Restiveness’ at the ongoing 15th North-East Joint International Trade Trade Fair at the IBB Square, Bauchi on Sunday.
He said that, “To the esteemed private investors present, I extend a heartfelt invitation to collaborate with NIMASA in forging an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth in the North-East.”
He stressed that, “Your investment and expertise are invaluable across sectors such as fishing, aquaculture, logistics transportation, and tourism. NIMASA stands resolute in providing the requisite support, guidance, and regulatory framework to facilitate these partnerships, firmly believing that they will not only unlock the blue economy’s vast potential but also engender sustainable job creation and inclusive economic growth in the North-East.”
He implored all stakeholders to unite with NIMASA in harnessing the blue economy’s potential for entrepreneurial development in the North East, serving as a beacon of hope amidst youths restiveness.
“The opportunities abound, and the time for action is now. Let us forge ahead together in sculpting a prosperous and secure future for the youth of the North East and our beloved nation, Nigeria. I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering attention, and I wish you all a fruitful trade fair exhibition and deliberations,” he added.
Represented by the NIMASA Team Lead at the Tradefair, Engr. Francis Odukoye, (PhD), Deputy Director, Shipping Promotion, the DG stressed that,”The Northeastern subregion of Nigeria, encompassing Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba, and Adamewa states, stands adorned with abundant natural treasures, particularly its waterways, which is at the heart of our Agency’s mission.”
He added that, “Noteworthy among these are the lakes and rivers including Adale Gahrım, Alau, and Ale in Borno State, Boli-Yelba, Bimari, Dampa, and Ji in Taraba, Maladumba, Jama’are, Gongola, and Komadugu in Bauchi, Dadin kowa and River Mai in Gombe, Omadugu and Komadugu Gana in Yobe, and Dulum, Garambula, Wam, and Wullum in Adamawa, each holding immense untapped potential for eсоnomy growth and prosperity.”
However, the subject of youth restiveness in Nigeria has assumed an atarming dimension particularly in the North East and also across the country. Acts of violence, gruesome killings, hostage- taking, cultism, etc are some of the social vices that have characterized the region
The NIMASA DG stressed that, “Youths restiveness in this region has taken political, religious, and economic dimensions, and as future leaders, if this frond is not urgently checked, it will spell doom for the Nigerian state.”
According to him, “The youths of any given state are the engine of development, therefore, a society with educated, disciplined, well focused, and law-abiding youths will be heading for greatness but regrettably, this is not the situation in the region where fear and insecurity has become the order of the day.”
“It is imperative that in order to bring this situation under control, there is need to realign entrepreneurial development to reflect the interest of Nigerian youths and also the need for government, organisations, stakeholder, and able individuals to promote and support entrepreneurship, hence in the heart of this are the demands to engage and empower our youth meaningfully,” he added.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola stressed that, “The blue economy offers a unique avenue to drive entrepreneurship, wealth creation and job opportunities in the region, paving the way for sustainable economic development and significantly alleviating youth restiveness.”
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