Blue economy: I’m in hurry to make impact  — Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has recently declared that he is in a hurry to make impact in the ministry.

Oyetola, who noted that he had no business in the ministry if he cannot make an impact, solicited the support of the management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other critical stakeholders within the sector to realise  President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in the sector.

He said this during his meeting with the management and staff of the NPA, shortly after he inspected facilities at the Apapa and Tin Can ports in Lagos.

The former Osun State governor said going by the decay in infrastructure he saw at the ports, there was an urgent need to commence infrastructure renewal of ports across the country so as to save them from imminent collapse. He also encouraged terminal operators to invest in the development of facilities at the ports.

The minister assured that enough scanners will be deployed to the ports to avoid unnecessary delays, noting that where the scanners already exist, he would interface with concerned government agencies to ensure their proper usage for efficiency at the ports.

Speaking further, Oyetola said, “As you are all aware, we all have a duty to reposition this sector for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians and to contribute to the economic growth of our nation. By doing this, we will be leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

“I, therefore, enjoin you to be good ambassadors of this newly created ministry by displaying the highest level of character at your respective duty posts. Your attitude to work must change. We must imbibe the ethos of hard work, discipline, decency and selflessness as this is the only way we can deliver on Mr President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

“Nigerians expect a lot from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. We must not fail them. We must increase our contribution to the country’s GDP. We have identified some of the low hanging fruits that will make an immediate impact. We shall vigorously pursue them.

“I am in a hurry to make an impact. I have no business heading the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry if I cannot make an impact. I want to make an impact. But I cannot do it alone. I need your cooperation. I need your support. We have the potential to grow our economy and create more jobs through this novel ministry. We must put everything to work to deliver on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of Mr President.”