By Dianabasi Effiong
Uyo: Stakeholders in the maritime and energy sectors in Akwa Ibom have called for the establishment of the Ministry of Blue Economy in the state to harness the untapped potential in the Blue Economy space.
They made this known at a roundtable organised for members by the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, in Uyo.
According to the stakeholders, this will ensure a stronger institutional coordination since no fewer than 6,208 maritime firms now operate along the state’s coastline.
According to a Maritime/Blue Economy expert, Mr Idongesit Antung, and other industry players, these companies, involved in several maritime-related operations, including offshore services, marine transportation, fisheries, oil and gas logistics, dredging, shipping support, and coastal commercial activities, need proper institutional coordination.
They said that in spite of Akwa Ibom’s strategic coastal advantage (crisscrossed by rivers, cradled by the Atlantic Ocean) and the growing maritime investments, the absence of a dedicated ministry had hindered effective regulation, policy coordination, environmental monitoring, and data management within the sector.
The stakeholders said that the lack of a specialised government structure could limit the state’s ability to fully harness economic opportunities available in the maritime industry, especially at a time when the Federal Government had intensified efforts to develop Nigeria’s blue economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with, Adegboyega Oyetola, as the Minister.
They pointed out that the ministry was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unlock the sustainable economic potential of Nigeria’s marine resources, shipping, and maritime sectors.
According to the stakeholders, establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy will provide a coordinated platform for investment promotion, job creation, revenue generation, environmental sustainability, and collaboration with key maritime stakeholders and international investors.
They also emphasised the need for improved safety standards and compliance measures to safeguard coastal communities and marine resources from the impact of poorly regulated operations.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to urgently initiate policies that would strengthen governance in the maritime sector and position the state as a leading player in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy space.
In a related development the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, berthed with Mr Ndifreke Harrison as the pioneer Chairman.
Harrison pledged to anchor the newly constituted State Executive on a greater commitment, professionalism, unity, and responsible journalism in the coverage of the energy, maritime, blue economy, and environmental sectors within the state and beyond.
He also promised to work collaboratively with members of the EXCO, stakeholders, industry players, government agencies, and development partners to strengthen the association and promote ethical, factual, and development-driven reportage.
“Our administration will focus on capacity building, media visibility, advocacy for the Establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Blue Economy, professional welfare of members, and strategic partnerships that will position EMRN as a respected voice in the energy and maritime sector.”
The newly unveiled state executive council of the group also resolved to build a united, vibrant, and impactful association that would contribute meaningfully to national development through credible journalism and informed public discourse.
*The newly inaugurated State Executive Council of EMR, A’Ibom Branch*
State Chairman – Ndifreke Harrison; Vice Chairman – Etim Ekpima;
Secretary – Mabel Ekanem; Treasurer – Josephine Ekpa;
Financial Secretary – Deborah Young;
Assistant Secretary – Ofonime Honesty;
Public Relations Officer (PRO) – Nsikak Julius;
Welfare Officer – Unyime Ekwere, KSJ; and
Ex-Officio Member – Elder Dianabasi Effiong.
The group’s Advisors included all stakeholders in the Energy and Maritime/Blue Economy sectors.