Africa’s Blue Economy: A Key to Prosperity, Says President Tinubu at PMAWCA Conference

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke on Monday at the 43rd Annual Council of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference, where he urged African leaders to prioritise the Blue Economy as a vital source of growth and development for the continent.

He said that the maritime sector plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of African nations and that it offers immense opportunities for the entire continent.

He was represented by the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy by creating a dedicated ministry for it.

He also emphasised the interconnectivity of African countries through their maritime endowments and the need for collaborative efforts to overcome common challenges and achieve a shared destiny.

He stressed the importance of technological advancement in the sector and the need for full automation to ensure the competitiveness of ports in the global maritime industry. He commended the Nigerian Ports Authority for fast tracking the operationalization of the Port Community System, which is a precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window and aims to streamline port operations.

The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko, also joined President Tinubu’s call for regional cooperation in the maritime sector, especially in light of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He praised the PMAWCA for its role in promoting ports’ cooperation and expressed the Nigerian Ports Authority’s support for the policies and action steps that will be discussed during the conference.

He urged the delegates from West and Central African countries, as well as the international observers, to exchange ideas and insights on how to harness the potential of the blue economy for the benefit of the region and the continent.