The Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has stressed that the agency is ready to liaise with Ondo State to develop the Blue economy, and the state’s comparative maritime advantage. He made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the Government House Alagbaka Akure, Ondo State.  

The Director-General in his opening remarks commended the outstanding successes of Governor Akeredolu during his first term across sectors, particularly in road infrastructure. 

According to Dr. Jamoh, the avalanche of maritime potentials in Ondo State as one of the littoral states can be explored for the emergence of a national blue economy. “Blue economy is being promoted by so many countries and we need to ensure that we harness the resources and sustain them to ensure that not only the Federal Government but also states collaborate with us for sustainable development,” Dr. Jamoh said. 

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in his response said the state is seeking collaboration to develop Port Ondo which will redefine the maritime sector in Nigeria in view of the vast natural potentials that are in the coastal areas of the state.

The governor said Ondo State being the most peaceful of all the nine Littoral States in Nigeria and the longest coastline in the West Africa sub-region with the deepest and natural draught for all types of ships to berth, is no doubt the launchpad for Nigeria to embrace Blue Economy.

“It is a natural place to have the best port in Nigeria. We need your support to get the seaport, which is not only for Ondo State but for all West Africa. We are ready to be part of the blue economy. We can work together.” Governor Akeredolu affirmed. 

Arakunrin Akeredolu also called for the collaboration of NIMASA and other stakeholders to resuscitate the Ayetoro Technical School which was the first in West Africa to have produced experts in maritime.

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