Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN

Foremost maritime lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN has commended the Federal Government over its decision to create a separate Ministry for Maritime and Blue Economy, which agitation had been on for over 30 years.

Agbakoba, who had championed this course, had argued that the creation of a Maritime Ministry like its aviation counterpart would give it the right focus and pave the way for policies that could aid the harnessing of the country’s vast maritime resources, which present better prospects than the petroleum industry.

A statement personally signed by the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA reads in part: “I express perfect delight that after 30 years of advocacy on major maritime policy, finally a minister for marine and blue economy has been named. The maritime sector has been a distinctly ignored sector of our economy.

“This has been a major omission. Nigeria is a maritime nation and must advance policy issues to tap into the absolutely massive economic opportunities. This is a sector that will, with proper direction of government easily contribute at least N7trillion to the public revenue. Key aspects of our maritime policy must focus on enforcement of Cabotage legislation, ports development, ocean governance and the blue economy in addition to many aspects of this incredibly wealthy sector. Speaking for the Maritime sector, I can say we look forward to robust policies by government.”

President Bola Tinubu had earlier in the week unveiled the portfolios of the ministers designate, who had been screened by the Senate, the country’s upper legislative chamber, which include Hon. Olabunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy.