SSDC, Oyetola Move to Unlock South South Blue Wealth
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Federal Government has expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the South South Development Commission to unlock the maritime potential of the region and accelerate development of deep seaports and blue economy jobs.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the assurance in Abuja when he received the Managing Director of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, and her delegation on a courtesy visit.
Oyetola said the visit demonstrated a strong regional commitment to the nation’s blue economy agenda.
“Your visit underscores the preparedness of the South South to harness its maritime potential,” he stated. “We are encouraged by your passion and willingness to work with the Ministry to fast track development in the region.”
He noted that the South South already had a solid foundation for maritime growth.
“With institutions such as the Maritime Academy in Oron and the All States Maritime Academy in Otokutu, the South South clearly has a strong base for maritime excellence,” the Minister added.
The SSDC Managing Director praised the Minister’s policy direction, saying the blue economy was becoming a significant driver of national economic growth.
“We are witnessing reforms in port operations, maritime logistics and governance that are enhancing trade facilitation, transparency and investor confidence,” Akpabio said.
She described the South South as Nigeria’s “maritime heartbeat” with vast coastlines, rich fisheries, oil and gas installations, inland waterways and tourism assets.
“Our mandate is to coordinate and accelerate sustainable development across the South South,” she stated. “This aligns perfectly with your vision of harnessing marine resources for inclusive national growth.”
Akpabio urged the government to prioritise the completion of the Ibom, Bonny, Bakassi and Agge Deep Seaports.
“We must move these deep seaports from paperwork to reality because they hold the key to unlocking regional and national prosperity,” she stressed.
On youth empowerment and capacity building, she emphasised the need for skills development.
“If we truly want to unlock the blue economy, our young people must be skilled,” she said. “Training in shipbuilding, aquaculture, logistics and port management will create jobs and build the future workforce.”
To ensure implementation beyond rhetoric, Akpabio recommended a structured partnership mechanism.
“We propose a Joint Technical Working Group to translate policy into impact and not just boardroom promises,” she suggested. She also requested deeper collaboration with NPA, NIMASA and the Fisheries Department, noting that “working together will accelerate results for coastal communities.”
Responding, Oyetola commended the SSDC for being the first regional commission to visit the Ministry.
“This visit reflects the spirit of synergy we need in government,” he said. “We will remain open to engagement on port development, fisheries, maritime training and blue economy investment promotion.”
He however advised the Commission to stay within its legal mandate to avoid overlap with federal agencies.
“Once the Commission maintains its statutory regional focus, collaboration with the Ministry will be seamless and impactful,” he noted.
