How New Ministry Of Marine Can Create Jobs In Nigeria Through Blue Economy- Prof Pauli

The creator of Blue Economy, Professor Gunter Pauli has painted a good picture of how the new ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can move fast to create abundant job opportunities for Nigerians and create wealth for the country.
Professor Pauli, who arrived in Nigeria today, September 28, and visited the Ministry, told the minister,Adegboyega Oyetola, that in six months, the ministry can facilitate the creation of a hundreds of thousand jobs by exploiting opportunities provided by the blue economy.
He listed shipping, paper conversion from wastes and maggot farming for poultry and fishing as low hanging fruits the ministry should embrace to create jobs and wealth.
He said that the ministry is overdue, considering the abundant opportunities in Nigeria, but warned that government must aggressively seek private sector investments for the new policy to bear fruits.
This was as the Minister expressed happiness on the interest shown by Professor Pauli in assisting Nigeria to tap its idle capacity from the oceans and the blue economy.
He promised to work with private investors in opening up the sector.
“I want to say that it’s not by accident that this ministry was created. It was part of the economic diversification policy of our country. We believed so much in oil but we now realize that 70% or so of the resources available actually come from the ocean and we have it in abundance here but neglected it for long.
“I must commend the president for creating the ministry. I want to assure you that we are up to the task and I believe so much in the PPP arrangement because government has no business in business. Government should just provide the enabling environment for business to thrive.”
He disclosed that efforts have been stepped up to improve transportation infrastructure, including automation of port operations for efficiency and increase in revenue.
“We now have sufficient control over insecurity and I want to tell you that for the past two years there has been no record of piracy on our shores. That is re-assuring to investors. I also assure you that we are ready to collaborate with investors, we are willing and ready and we will support all the initiatives that will bring all this to reality.”