The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirms South-South region’s central place in Nigeria’s quest to unlock the full potential of its marine and blue economy.

Oyetola while receiving a delegation from the South South Development Commission (SSDC) led by its Managing Director, Usoro Akpabio in Abuja, describes the region as an important component of Nigeria’s maritime future, given its long coastline, strategic seaports, and vast aquatic resources.

The Minister in a statement by his Special Adviser Bolaji Akinola emphasises Federal Government’s commitment towards driving maritime infrastructural development in the South-South to ensure that the region plays its rightful role in the nation’s economic growth.

He notes that while working with state governments in the region to develop new deep seaports, existing seaports in the area would soon enjoy modernisation and upgrade under the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.

The Managing Director of the Commission, Usoro Akpabio, commends the Minister’s leadership and focus in repositioning the maritime sector, expressing the Commission’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in the implementation of blue economy projects across the region, to drive economic growth, strengthen regional integration, and improve livelihoods.