The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) has called for professionalism in the implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the country harnesses its full potential in the sector.

This assertion was made on Thursday at the 2nd Quarter Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The event, themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” was attended by several key stakeholders from the government, private sector, academia, and civil society to drive home a unified strategy for the transformation of the marine sector.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola re-echoed the country’s commitment to embracing the inclusive implementation of the policy, highlighting the importance of quarterly stakeholder engagement to promote transparency and collective ownership.

“The federal government is committed to the inclusive implementation of the policy, and the importance of quarterly stakeholder engagement to promote transparency and collective ownership,” he said

The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, outlined a roadmap designed to unlock the sector’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments, and ensure global competitiveness.

In his words, CIOTA’s President, Dr. Segun Ochuko Obayendo CTN, who was represented by the Institute’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Chizoba Anyika, harped on continuous engagement as a crucial step towards harnessing the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Dr. Anyika showered encomium on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Oyetola, for organising the stakeholders meeting to drive growth, enhance maritime security, and promote sustainable practices in the country’s ocean-based economy.

The CIOTA spokesperson emphasised the importance of promoting professionalism and excellence in the sector. She also enlightened stakeholders on the role of CIOTA Nigeria in promoting professionalism and sustainable mobility, aligning the Institute’s involvement in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also advised that capacity-building initiatives should be undertaken to ensure that personnel in the maritime sector have the necessary skills and expertise to implement the national policy effectively, encouraging innovation, research, and adaptation to industry trends and challenges as the need arises.

Anyika urged stakeholders to partner with the Institute in driving professionalism through training so as to enhance skills and knowledge while maintaining and improving standards, ethics, certification and accreditation of personnel which are the Institute’s core mandate.

The Institute’s spokesperson reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Ministry and other stakeholders to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain as she announces and invited all to the forthcoming 7th National Transport Conference scheduled to hold in November at Abuja.