Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has solicited the support of the Federal Government towards developing the deep seaport at Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the blue economy potential of the state.
Governor Diri expressed the optimism that by collaborating with the Federal Government, a lot can be achieved for the benefit of the state and the country.
The Bayelsa governor stated this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in his office in Abuja on Monday.
He said he received the news of the creation of the ministry by President Bola Tinubu with excitement, saying the fact that Bayelsa was the first state in Nigeria to also establish a similar ministry was indicative of its seriousness to develop the state’s blue economy and harness its maritime resources.
According to him, if the country is able to tap into the resources in its maritime domain, there would be less emphasis on oil and gas.
He also stated that as part of efforts to achieve this, his administration was constructing the senatorial roads, which are federal projects terminating at the Atlantic Ocean on the three flanks, and that when completed they will open up the state’s maritime environment.
On the deep seaport at Agge, the Bayelsa helmsman said the state was ready to work with the Federal Government to make it a reality, having earlier received a federal approval and done a survey of the project site.
He said Bayelsa was safe and open for investment, urging potential investors to take advantage of its natural endowments and partner with the government to develop the state.
He said: “When the Federal Ministry of Blue Economy was established, I was happy and Bayelsa became the first to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy at the state level.
“As part of our effort to open up the maritime environment, we are constructing the Nembe-Brass road and the other senatorial roads, which we believe when completed will open up the maritime environment.
“For the Agge seaport, which is in the western flank of Bayelsa State, we are willing to work with you to ensure that it comes to fruition.”
Responding, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said Nigeria was naturally endowed, especially in the maritime sector, saying the government was determined to develop the country’s marine economy.
He stated that the federal government was developing a strategy to get it right in the sector, stressing that Nigeria will be better off if the potential in the sector were harnessed.
The minister said the government was also willing to use the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach as government alone is not good in business.
He commended Governor Diri for creating the Ministry of Blue Economy and pledged the readiness of his ministry to support the state to achieve set goals.