Oyetola: We’re deploying smart technology to boost Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, says Nigeria has begun deploying advanced technology to boost its global competitiveness in maritime.

Oyetola spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the Nigerian Institution of Facilities Engineering and Management (NIFEngM) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Peter Mbam, the ministry’s director of legal services, he said the adoption of cutting-edge technology aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s blue economy initiative.

The minister said facility engineers play a crucial role in designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining physical infrastructure within the marine and blue economy sectors.

“An inspiring example of the importance of facilities engineering in the blue economy initiative is the recent innovative development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port,” Oyetola said.

“This project exemplifies how cutting-edge engineering and effective management can boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness in maritime trade.”

Oyetola said the blue economy involves the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, create jobs, and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

He said the government is collaborating with facility engineers to leverage technology in building smarter and more resilient infrastructure nationwide.

“Smart technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and big data, are revolutionising facilities management, and we are leveraging these innovations to improve our infrastructure,” the minister said.

Oyetola reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), underscoring the importance of facilities engineering in achieving SDG seven, nine, and 14.

He also expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated NIFEngM executive committee would support the government in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy initiatives.

“Collaboration with facilities engineers will help drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Oyetola said.

“Together, we can advance the frontiers of facilities engineering and management for the benefit of our nation and future generations.”

NIFEngM PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

In his remarks, Christopher Egwuatu, the newly inaugurated 5th national chairman of NIFEngM, assured the gathering that the new executive committee would work diligently to drive innovation across Nigeria’s industries.

He highlighted three key areas of focus including capacity building, industry collaboration, and advocacy, which he said were essential for fostering growth in the sector.

“NIFEngM, as a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), plays a vital role in promoting efficient facilities engineering and management practices in Nigeria,” Egwuatu said.

“I am fully committed to delivering on this mandate.”

Aluyah Okodugha, vice-president of the NSE, also urged the newly elected leadership to prioritise policies that would support the development of facilities engineering in the country.