Marine and Blue Economy: Danish govt reiterates readiness to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria

…pays a follow-up visit to Oyetola

…as UNIDO promises support on programmes/projects implementation

The Danish government on Tuesday reiterated its avowed commitment to further strengthen collaboration and foster bilateral ties with Nigerian government for socioeconomic growth and development.

Danish government said the decision is imperative as part of efforts to collectively harnessing the embedded potential and unlocking the prospects in the marine sector of the two partnering nations.

This is even as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), assured its readiness to partner Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue in the area of programmes and projects implementation.

Denmark is one of the biggest port operators in the world.

Recall that, on October 6, 2023, the Ambassador met with the Minister to explore areas of partnership and how to leverage the immense opportunities within the maritime sector of the two nations.

Speaking during a follow-up visit to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, in his office, in Abuja, the Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, H.E Sune Krogstrup, said the follow-up visit is sinequanon to cement the prior partnership moves.

Ambassador Krogstrup who was accompanied by other top officials of the Danish government, explained that the follow-up visit was informed by the strong desire of his country to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria and establish partnerships that will promote the maritime sectors of the two countries.

Responding, Oyetola described the partnership move as a welcome development and one, capable of advancing the cause of the ministry in actualizing its mandate.

“I welcome this partnership with the Danish government and look forward to the prospects of the collaboration”, Oyetola noted.

He specifically mentioned that Nigeria would require support in the areas of ship building, ship repair, and fishing trollers, among others.

Similarly, the Minister received in audience, a delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Led by the organisation’s Representative to ECOWAS and Regional Director, Nigeria Regional Office Hub, Ambassador Jean Bakole, UNIDO expressed its readiness to support the Minister in the implementation of the programmes and projects of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The team also spoke on the Program for Country Partnership, PCP.

Reacting, Oyetola expressed his ministry’s readiness to partner UNIDO to enhance it’s capacity for efficiency, proficiency, effectiveness and greater productivity.

“Our Ministry will partner UNIDO to develop the industry policy that will help in achieving sustainable growth in the sector”, Oyetola added.