….as League's President Tasks FG on quick payment of CVFF
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola has called on Maritime Editors and writers to be more patriotic and realistic when setting agenda for agencies at policy making level in order to jointly achieve a common goal.
Honourable Oyetola made the call on Thursday at the 25th anniversary of the League of Maritime Editors(LOME) held in Lagos saying the ministry has been enjoying symbiotic relationship with Maritime Editors and writers but will challenge them to be realistic when setting agenda for those at the policy making level.
Oyetola who was represented by the Director, Press, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olujimi Oyetomi said the Ministry has seek various steps to involve all necessary agencies under the ministry to key into the mandate of harnessing Nigeria’s potential in marine and Blue Economy.
“Even though I am a pioneering minister for the sector, the ministry is committed to work with all stakeholders to exploit the potentials of the marine and Blue Economy with regards to job creation, social development, increase contribution to national growth and economic development,” he said.
Also speaking, the League’s President, Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha appealed to the President to deploy political will of ensuring that the oft routine talk about the rehabilitation of collapsed critical port infrastructure receives urgent attention.
Okorocha who salute the visionary outlook of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for unbundling the transportation ministry and establishing the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, also enjoined the President to provide the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola and his ministry, needed impetus to actualize the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, established since 2003.
“To jump start a new lease of life for the capacity development of our indigenous shipowners, and to enable Nigeria participate meaningfully in our seaborne trade; especially with the proposed commencement of the implementation policy of the blue economy, government need to bring to an end, the unending rat race of the CVFF disbursement,” he said.
He stressed how the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and it’s leadership, has genuinely struggled, especially under the present administration to disburse the CVFF in its commitment to grow local capacity building, but was disrupted within the field of political play.
“In view of this, I appeal to Mr. President to use his good office to prevail on the relevant authorities to respond to the needs of our industry as there can be no better time than now. We are aware of His Excellency’s important pioneering task of positioing the new ministry into achieving industry specific growth projections, we want to assure you Sir, that the League and Maritime media in general will work with you and your ministry, and agencies under your purview. Kindly be more sector specific in your programmes and to crave depth as you pursue the implementation of the blue economy by engaging and partnering with stakeholders as at when necessary, to avoid creating gaps,” he said.
