BY WISDOM OKIOKIO
IN a move to enhance marine safety and capitalize on its blue economy potentials, Bayelsa State is set to establish a marine safety task force and create economic zones called “Fish Cities.”
Governor Douye Diri announced these plans during the “Expanded Stakeholders Validation for the Bayelsa State Marine and Blue Economy Draft Policy” event held in Yenagoa. Highlighting the importance of security on the waterways, Governor Diri emphasized that safeguarding the maritime domain is essential for Bayelsa to fully benefit from its aquatic resources. He remarked that the Ijaw people, for whom life has long revolved around the water, stand to gain significantly from this new focus on marine resources.
Governor Diri shared his administration’s vision to transform traditional fishing practices into a commercial-scale industry, facilitating Bayelsa’s development in the blue economy. He said the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside Bayelsa’s own state ministry, underlines a serious commitment to exploring economic opportunities in the maritime sector.
“Our Assured Prosperity Agenda aims to create career pathways for our youth in blue economy sectors like maritime shipping, fishing, coastal tourism, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and more,” the governor said. “This is not just about job creation; it’s about building a sustainable future for both our economy and our environment.”
The initiative also includes; establishing Fish Cities, areas intended to drive commercial fishing and provide a steady income source for Bayelsans across urban and rural areas alike.
In addition to economic development, the governor outlined a strong focus on maritime safety. The new Marine Safety Task Force will work with federal agencies, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to improve security across Bayelsa’s coastal and inland waters. The state also plans to invest in a locally managed fleet to ensure safer waterways while supporting capacity-building in maritime services.
Governor Diri called for collaborative efforts among federal agencies and coastal states to expand the blue economy’s potential, asserting that the sector could help Nigeria reduce its dependence on oil and gas. The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs- Godwin, expressed her gratitude to the governor for appointing her as the ministry’s first commissioner. She pledged her commitment to maximizing Bayelsa’s blue economy resources in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
Representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and former Federal Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Ambassador Boladei Igali applauded the draft policy. They pledged to work alongside Bayelsa in developing a robust marine economy that will benefit the state and contribute to national economic growth.