By Francis Akinnodi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged African leaders to prioritise optimising potentials in the blue economy, saying it holds the key to Africa’s prosperity.
Tinubu, while speaking at the ongoing 43rd Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference, underlined the critical role of the Blue Economy in the collective prosperity of African nations, emphasising that the sector holds immense potential for the entire continent.
The president, who was represented by the minister of Marine and Blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that Africa’s Blue Economy presents the continent with untapped opportunities for growth and development.
He said: ‘We must acknowledge the maritime sector as a central driver for the sustainable development of our nations.’
The president went on to stress the interconnectivity of African countries through their maritime endowments, saying, the formation of the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy.
He stated that, despite national boundaries, the waters serve as a natural source of connectivity, emphasising that the region’s shared destiny and challenges require collaborative efforts.
The president also underlined the significance of technological advancement in the sector. He emphasised that automation is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of ports in the global maritime industry. He highlighted the importance of the Port Community System, which serves as a precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window, as essential tools in streamlining port operations.
He further pointed out that full automation is the way forward if African ports are to remain competitive on the international stage, echoing the sentiment that seamless and efficient cargo handling is vital for port competitiveness in the African context.
Speaking earlier, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, also echoed President Tinubu’s call for regional cooperation in the maritime sector.
He noted that the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are substantial while urging African leaders to work together to eliminate trade barriers and harness these opportunities for the collective prosperity of respective national economies.
He said: “The opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are substantial. We must work together to eliminate trade barriers and harness these opportunities for the collective prosperity of our respective national economies,” Mr. Koko stated.
He praised the PMAWCA for its role in promoting ports’ cooperation and expressed the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to partnership and support for policies and action steps that will be discussed during the conference.
He added that the 43rd PMAWCA conference, with its focus on the Blue Economy and the significance of regional cooperation, has set the stage for a crucial dialogue on how African nations can unlock the potential of their maritime resources.
He urged delegates from West and Central African countries, alongside international observers, to exchange ideas and insights, with the shared goal of enhancing trade facilitation and spurring economic growth in the region.
