Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has strongly criticized the persistent failure of government and relevant public institutions to implement research findings, identifying this deficiency as a major impediment to sustainable development in Nigeria. He expressed this concern while receiving a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), highlighting the irony of investing significant resources in research only to disregard the valuable outcomes. Diri lamented that despite decades of diligent studies conducted by NIPSS on various critical themes, the nation has failed to capitalize on these insights, hindering progress across multiple sectors.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, emphasized the relevance of the NIPSS delegation’s current research theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” to Bayelsa State. He underscored the state’s strategic position as the epicenter of a potentially trillion-dollar marine and blue economy, boasting vast untapped marine resources. Furthermore, Diri proudly noted Bayelsa’s pioneering role as the first state in Nigeria to establish a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, following the Federal Government’s lead.
Diri’s critique of the prevailing disregard for research findings reflects a deeply rooted systemic problem that undermines national development. He argued that Nigeria often finds itself expending resources to solve problems that are, in many cases, self-created. This cyclical pattern of problem creation and resource-intensive solutions, without learning from research insights, perpetuates inefficiencies and hinders progress. The Governor’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how research is valued and utilized within the country.
The NIPSS delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Omar, chose Bayelsa as a key study location due to its rich marine endowments, reflecting the state’s significance in exploring the potential of the blue economy. Omar expressed gratitude for the warm reception received by his team and explained that the chosen research theme aims to contribute valuable knowledge to the field. He expressed confidence that the study tour would yield a comprehensive report, providing actionable recommendations not only for Bayelsa’s newly established ministry but also for harnessing marine resources nationwide.
The convergence of the Governor’s concerns and the NIPSS delegation’s research focus highlights a critical juncture in Nigeria’s development trajectory. The Governor’s call for greater utilization of research findings aligns perfectly with the delegation’s objective of providing evidence-based recommendations for sustainable development through the blue economy. This synergy presents a unique opportunity to translate research into tangible action, potentially unlocking significant economic and environmental benefits for Bayelsa State and the nation as a whole.
The visit of the NIPSS delegation and the subsequent dialogue with the Bayelsa State Government represent a crucial step towards bridging the gap between research and implementation. By acknowledging the untapped potential of research and emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking, both the Governor and the NIPSS delegation contribute to a growing momentum for change. The collaborative effort to explore the blue economy’s potential offers a promising avenue for sustainable development, leveraging research insights to create a more prosperous and resilient future for Nigeria.
