Politics

Safety, security, unregulated fishing, marine tourism top Oyetola’s agenda

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2023

The Minister of the Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, harnessing marine tourism, safety and security top the agenda of his administration.

Speaking during a working visit to NIMASA headquarters in Lagos, where he met top management staff of the agency, the minister said that the time has come for Nigeria to fully harness its vast potentials in the maritime sector, noting that the working visit was to ascertain and properly appraise the situation of things with a view to taking practical steps and measures towards addressing them.

Speaking further, the minister noted that it was time for Nigeria to float a national carrier, stressing that through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement, and the support of stakeholders, such a plan would be achieved in the interest of the maritime industry and Nigeria as a whole.

The minister stated that the management of the resources of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy requires proactive, smart and strategic thinking. He, therefore, called for the rediscovery, harnessing and packaging of the nation’s maritime resources, including seafoods, in line with all associated international standards and specifications.

Oyetola, who bemoaned foreign dominance of the fishing industry, assured that under his watch, it would no longer be business as usual.

In his words: “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the fisheries sector contributed 1.09 per cent of the country’s total GDP in the year 2020 and 0.9 per cent in the Q3 of 2021. We are regarded as a net importer of fishery products. But we are determined to change the narrative by putting in place measures to make Nigeria a major player in that regard.”

Oyetola stressed that safety and security of the maritime corridors of Nigeria was a priority in his agenda for the ministry, noting that without safety and security there can never be a meaningful achievement in the industry.

He added that with the rich endowments of the country’s marine and blue economy, Nigeria has no justification not to develop marine tourism, a revenue-spinner for most countries, especially at the period when diversification of the economy from oil was sacrosanct.

According to him: “Nigeria accounts for about 853 kilometres of the estimated 47,000 kilometres of coastline in Africa. Nigeria has one of the largest wetlands in the world, with its coastal and marine ecosystems covering a total of 70,000 square kilometres. There are countries around the world that rely solely on earnings from the tourism sector.

The minister commended the management of NIMASA under the leadership of Dr. Bashir Jamoh, OFR, for his grit and determination in ensuring that the agency fulfills its mandates.

Jamoh, in his opening remarks, declared that the minsiter’s appointment was unique and timely.

Related Topics:Agenda Featured Oyetola Politics

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Politics

Lagos State House of Assembly powers justify suspension of Alimosho chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 8, 2024

Lanre

The Lagos Assembly clarifies that its suspension of Alimosho chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, is legally backed, in line with statutory provisions.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, citing legal provisions, defends its power to suspend the Alimosho council chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, amidst public outcry.

The Lagos State House of Assembly exercised its legislative powers to suspend Alimosho Local Government Area chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, citing statutory provisions as the legal basis.

The Assembly responded to criticism from Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr Abdul Mahmud, clarifying that their actions were in line with the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Section 24(a) of the Local Government Administration Law empowers the Assembly to suspend or remove council officials following investigations.

Furthermore, Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to investigate matters under its jurisdiction.

The Assembly’s response stressed that local government councils, including their chairmen, derive authority from state law, which the Assembly creates and enforces.

The Assembly criticised attempts to sway public sentiment with emotional rhetoric, arguing that the laws are clear on legislative oversight.

It highlighted previous suspensions of the same chairman for violating local government regulations, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to accountability.

It also rebuffed any comparison between the powers of the National Assembly and state legislatures in local government affairs, stating that only the state legislature holds such authority.

This legal stance ensures that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains the guiding force in maintaining order and transparency within local governments, further dismissing counterarguments that misinterpret legislative boundaries.

Politics

Lagos Assembly imposes indefinite suspension on Alimosho local government chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 7, 2024

Lanre

Indefinite Suspension of Alimosho Local Government Chairman

The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued an indefinite suspension to Jelili Sulaimon, the chairman of Alimosho Local Government, effective immediately.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has placed Alimosho Local Government Chairman Jelili Sulaimon under indefinite suspension. The suspension takes immediate effect following a plenary session where lawmakers reached a unanimous decision.

Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson is appointed to oversee the council’s operations during this period. The Assembly has instructed the council’s management, including the treasurer, to support Johnson fully.

Also read: Lagos waterways tourism boosted by innovative marine investments

The suspension stems from allegations of non-compliance and misconduct by Sulaimon. Honourable Sanni Okanlawon, chair of the Local Government Administration Committee, initiated the motion. He recounted a serious incident in April 2024 that led to the death of Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Okanlawon’s investigation revealed Sulaimon’s role in the chaos. Despite invitations to stakeholders, Sulaimon demonstrated ongoing defiance toward the Assembly. His mismanagement of public funds and failure to follow directives warranted immediate action.

Majority Leader Noheem Adams supported the suspension, emphasizing the need for accountability among local government leaders. Other lawmakers echoed concerns about Sulaimon’s disregard for procurement processes and budget adherence.

Honourable Nureni Akinsanya highlighted a report from the State Auditor-General that identified significant financial irregularities in Sulaimon’s records. The report’s findings reinforced the call for suspension.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, confirmed the Assembly’s resolution and directed the Clerk to inform relevant authorities.

Politics

Makinde suspends Oyo monarch

Published

11 months ago

February 3, 2024

Lanre

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Council of the state.

The government, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

“I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido local council.