ABUJA, Nigeria — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Federal Government to collaborate with his administration in the development of the Agge Deep Seaport in Ekeremor Local Government Area, as well as harness the state’s blue economy potential.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Monday, October 14, 2024, Diri expressed optimism that such a partnership could significantly benefit both Bayelsa and Nigeria.
Governor Diri highlighted that Bayelsa was the first state in Nigeria to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy, aligning with the recent creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Tinubu.
Diri hailed the move as a crucial step toward diversifying the nation’s economy beyond oil and gas by tapping into maritime resources.
“We were excited when the Federal Ministry of Blue Economy was established. Bayelsa is committed to developing its blue economy, and our state was the first to create a similar ministry at the state level,” Diri said.
The governor noted that Bayelsa’s abundant maritime resources have the potential to reduce the country’s dependence on oil if properly harnessed.
Diri outlined his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure in the state to support the blue economy.
He explained that the state government is constructing several senatorial roads, which are federal projects extending to the Atlantic Ocean.
These roads, he said, would help open up Bayelsa’s maritime environment and facilitate economic growth.
Regarding the Agge deep seaport project, Diri reaffirmed Bayelsa’s readiness to work with the Federal Government to bring the project to fruition.
The state had already received federal approval and completed a site survey, positioning it to move forward with the development.
“For the Agge seaport, which is in the western flank of Bayelsa State, we are willing to work with you to ensure that it comes to fruition,” he added.
Governor Diri also emphasized that Bayelsa is safe and open for investment, urging potential investors to partner with the government to take advantage of the state’s natural maritime endowments.
In response, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola acknowledged Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the marine economy.
He said the government is currently formulating a strategy to maximize the potential of the sector, which could significantly boost the country’s overall economy.
“Nigeria is naturally endowed in the maritime sector, and we are determined to get it right in developing this vital part of our economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that the government plans to adopt a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model to drive the growth of the marine economy, recognising that government alone may not be the best at managing business ventures.
Oyetola also commended Governor Diri’s proactive leadership in establishing Bayelsa’s Ministry of Blue Economy, pledging the Federal Government’s support in helping the state achieve its goals in the sector.
The partnership between Bayelsa and the Federal Government is expected to play a pivotal role in unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s coastal areas and driving sustainable development in the maritime sector.
