Convener of the National Discourse 2024 with Distinguished Maritime Personalities (DMP), Kelvin Kagbare on Thursday said stakeholders input is critical to the development of maritime industry.
He said commitment, passion, dedication, efforts and resources deployed by the distinguished guests into maritime development cannot be quantified.
Kagbare said stakeholders will attest that these are very familiar faces at maritime functions within and outside the country.
According to him They commit their time, energy and resources into programmes and events organized for the improvement of the industry- we thank you most sincerely for finding time to be here today to share your experiences with stakeholders.
He stated that the Theme “The Human Capital Component, Assets and Infrastructure for the Blue Economy” was chosen after deliberate consideration of what the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola as Minister has done so far.
“In the area of human Capital Development, Maritime Nigeria thinks we are still where we were prior to the creation of the Ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023. We were told that the Blue Economy has the capacity to generate over $1.5 trillion per year, provide over 30 million jobs and serve as a vital source of protein supply to millions of persons.
“As we converge to deliberate, we hope to hear from our DMPs here seated what progress has been made. From all we have seen and heard, there has been plenty of movement and talk without the commensurate action.
“Policy statements have also been few just as the bond of action signed by maritime CEOs is known only to select few. I trust that our DMPs have, from their vintage positions, had a glimpse and would be willing to share insights with maritime stakeholders here gathered.
“Shall we talk about the NSDP program and gains to country from 2009 to date? Like the Nigerian Refineries, the NSDP is yet to bridge the yawning manpower gaps in the industry. I am glad we have distinguished maritime personalities who could better speak on this from their experiences.” Kagbare said.
