AGF Fagbemi, Oyetola Resume As Justice, Marine And Blue Economy Ministers

The newly sworn-in Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has resumed office at the Ministry of Justice.

Naija News gathered that Fagbemi arrived at the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ) few minutes after 3 pm.

He was said to have headed straight to the FMJ from the State House, where the new set of ministers were inaugurated moments earlier.

He is currently meeting with senior officials of the FMJ and agencies under the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola also officially assumed office.

Speaking at a press conference held in the Ministry of Transportation, on Monday, Oyetola outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy sector that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and economic growth.

He acknowledged the abundance of marine resources that exist within the coastal region and emphasized the need to fully harness them for economic gains.

The minister announced that at the global level Blue Economy is estimated at more than 1.5 trillion dollars annually, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity and become a significant player in the industry.

Oyetola said: “I strongly believe in the power of collaboration, and dedication to service. The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal can only be efficient and effective through team work. This is why I crave your indulgence that we must work as a team to deliver on our mandate. Let us work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face, ensuring that our oceans and marine life are safe, reliable, and sustainable.

“Our oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet’s surface, holding the key to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and technological innovation. As we look ahead, my vision is rooted in the responsible management and utilisation of our marine resources to benefit not only our economy but also the health of our planet.

“Experts say the Blue Economy is estimated to be worth more than 1.5 trillion Dollars per year globally. Therefore, given our size as a country and considering the size of our blue economy, we should be a significant player in this sector, so as to contribute immensely to the revenue generation of our country and also provide jobs for the unemployed.

“We must come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our inland rivers, lakes, and waterways are well utilised, both in terms of cargo shipment and passenger transportation. And this can be done by embarking on a holistic dredging campaign for most of our strategically important inland waterways so as to make them navigable for the passage of goods and people.

“We equally have a duty to promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

“We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. I appreciate your dedication, and I look forward to working alongside each of you in the pursuit of a better Nigeria.”