Tinubu Calls on African Leaders to Prioritize the Blue Economy

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called upon African leaders to prioritize the Blue Economy for driving prosperity and acknowledged its immense potential
• Tinubu emphasized the interconnectedness of African countries through maritime resources and stressed technological advancement’s vital role in the maritime sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a compelling call to action for African leaders to prioritise the Blue Economy, emphasizing its pivotal role in driving Africa’s prosperity. Tinubu made this impassioned plea during his address at the 43rd Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference held on Monday.

In his speech, Tinubu underscored the critical significance of the Blue Economy in the collective development of African nations. He highlighted the immense potential that this sector holds for the entire continent.

Represented at the conference by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, President Tinubu stressed, “We must acknowledge the maritime sector as a central driver for the sustainable development of our nations.”

He went on to emphasize the interconnectedness of African countries through their maritime resources, acknowledging the formation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy.

Tinubu pointed out that, despite national borders, the waters serve as a natural source of connectivity, necessitating collaborative efforts to address the shared challenges and destinies of the region.

Furthermore, the President highlighted the crucial role of technological advancement in the maritime sector. He emphasized the importance of automation in maintaining the competitiveness of ports within the global maritime industry. Specifically, he mentioned the Port Community System as a vital tool for streamlining port operations and indicated full support for its operationalization by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

President Tinubu also stressed that complete automation is the path forward if African ports are to remain competitive on the international stage. He echoed the sentiment that efficient cargo handling is indispensable for port competitiveness in the African context.

In an earlier address, Mohammed Bello Koko, the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority, highlighted the substantial opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He urged African leaders to work together to eliminate trade barriers and harness these opportunities for the collective prosperity of their respective national economies.

Koko commended PMAWCA for its role in promoting cooperation among ports and expressed the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to partnering with and supporting policies and actions discussed during the conference. This collective effort underscores the commitment of African nations to the development and prosperity of the Blue Economy in the region.