Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Adepoju has said that Nigeria could make N2.5 trillion from the ocean.
She said this at a one-day workshop on Blue Economy, organised in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State’s command of NIS.
Adepoju spoke on the theme: “The Coastal of State of Rivers and Benefits of the Blues Economy: Stakeholders Perspective.”
According to her, the ocean holds huge opportunities for developing countries to build more innovative and resilient economies.
“N2.5 trillion can accrue to Nigeria from the Blue Economy,” she said, stressing that “the oceans are 72 per cent of the world covered by bodies of water. The Seabed – 90 per cent of deposit is yet to be explored. 2.2 million species are yet to be discovered by experts.”
“80 per cent of goods and services come into the country through shipping transportation.
“It is very important in the sustainability of the economy of this country in the area of the blue economy and its derivatives.
“Ocean economy offers many opportunities and we must strike the right balance between benefitting from the ocean and protecting its resources. The Global Blue Deal could drive more investment into emerging sustainable sectors that could benefit developing countries.
“There is opportunity not only to preserve Nigeria’s trader strengths but also look afresh at how Nigerian-based actors play their roles in promoting international trade in the maritime industry, oil and gas and allied services,” she stated.
She called on all stakeholders to ensure a high standard of business integrity by “ensuring transparency in transactions, proper documentations, eschewing corrupt practices, avoiding extortion and other sharp practices that may be contrary to economic growth and development.”
