The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has spelt out  factors which according to him is hindering the growth  of blue economy in the country.
Dakuku said that the  lack of knowledge, policy framework on the part of successive governments and investment were the major reasons why the benefits of blue economy were yet to be maximized in Nigeria.
Blue economy refers to natural maritime endowments which promote fisheries, aquatic life, oil and gas, water transportation and other mineral deposits under the sea.
The NIMASA  Boss  said the federal  goverment should be committed to introducing a framework that will drive what will lead to the utilization of the potentials of the blue economy.

While addressing  maritime journalists at a one day  seminar  organised by the agency in    Lagos,with  the theme “The Role of Journalists in Developing the Blue Economy’, the DG said the media has a great role to play as they  should enlighten the people on the benefits of the blue economy via their reportage.

He stated  that ocean resources were enormous and can sustain the economy but added that people were not taking advantage because of lack of knowledge.

“Nigeria is truly endowed in maritime resources. But over the years, there has not been sufficient and deliberate efforts in terms of putting in place the right policy framework, creating awareness and favourable investment climate that would engender the taping of these huge resources to the benefit of the people”.he said

Dakuku identified job creation, eco-tourism, debt swaps and green ports as among some of the tools and opportunities of blue economy sector in Africa.
He said blue economy will bring sustainable business opportunities, circular economy, resource efficiency, and conservation of development, adding that all these were good for the national economy.

Finally, he urge the media to go in depth in their reportage as the agency is fully ready to partner with them to actualize the purpose of blue economy