The former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for the establishment of a State Ministry of Blue Economy to tap into the prospects in the ocean.

In a letter addressed to the Governor, Dr. Jamoh, said the decision to create the Ministry of Blue economy was a step in the right direction, considering the enormous maritime resources open to the State and the strategic position of the Bayelsa in relation to the Atlantic.

“In that light, I cannot agree any less with your Excellency, that; “the wealth of Bayelsa State lies in the Atlantic Ocean”, and the sooner the vigorous exploration of same commences through the new Ministry, the better for the citizens of the State and the Country at large, bearing in mind the strategic position of the State in the Nigerian Maritime Domain. I can only at this point hope that other littoral states, who are yet to consider the creation of such Ministry, will also take a cue from your Excellency in taking the giant stride.

It was with great pleasure that I welcomed the news that your Excellency has created the Ministry of Blue Economy and equally appointed Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin as the Honorable Commissioner for the said Ministry.

As a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) who worked for several years on the development of the blue economy while equally relating with all the littoral states in the country in that regard, especially Bayelsa State, I can confidently say that the decision of your excellency to create the Ministry of Blue economy is a commendable step in the right direction.”

In the same vein, I must also mention that the timing of the creation of the Ministry is equally apt as its policies and strategies can be synchronized with that of the recently created Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, ably led by the His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for a more efficient result that would attract international support for the state Ministry.

Having said that, and in the breath of the elation arising from the newly created Ministry, I want to categorically and unequivocally pledge to your Excellency and the newly appointed Commissioner, my support and commitment to the process leading to the success of the Ministry.

I wish your Excellency good fortunes and say, God bless the People of Bayelsa, God Bless Nigeria.”