The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to harnessing ocean resources as a driver for Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the statement on Tuesday during the 1st International Marine and Blue Economy Conference and Trade Exhibition held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Represented by the ministry’s Director of Conservation, Innovation and Technology, Alhaji Husaini Shettima, Oyetola emphasised the need to capitalise on Nigeria’s maritime potential amid growing global interest in sustainable ocean management.
The conference, themed “Sustainable Blue Economy: Advancing Safety, Economic and Social Resilience in the Coastal Ecosystem,” was described by Oyetola as timely and strategic. “It captures the essence of our mandate as a nation newly committed to unlocking the potential of the maritime domain for sustainable national growth while assuring that safety, economic vitality, and community resilience remain central to our approach,” he said.
Nigeria boasts a coastline of approximately 853 kilometres and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over 200 nautical miles, rich in fisheries, hydrocarbons, biodiversity, and maritime routes. However, Oyetola noted that these resources have been underutilised for decades due to structural inefficiency, fragmented governance, inadequate infrastructure, and limited human capacity.
“Globally, the blue economy is estimated at over $2.5 trillion annually, yet Africa contributes less than five per cent and Nigeria’s share remains minimal—not due to lack of potential, but insufficient strategies and sustainable frameworks,” he added.
The minister highlighted key challenges, including outdated ports and coastal facilities, maritime security gaps, environmental degradation, and skills shortages, stressing that these challenges present opportunities for innovation and investment. Emerging priority areas include blue infrastructure financing, marine renewable energy, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, coastal tourism, heritage preservation, and marine data innovation platforms.
In his remarks, Hon. Ndutimi Komonibo, chairman of the event and president of the Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, stressed the transformative potential of the blue economy. “It is not a government agenda alone; it is an economic agenda requiring coordinated private sector leadership,” he said, outlining plans to strengthen ports, promote maritime entrepreneurship, and foster job creation and innovation.
Welcoming delegates, the Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih, described the conference as long overdue, urging Nigeria to transition from reliance on oil to embracing its abundant “blue gold” resources.
The conference was organised by the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, bringing together government, private sector, and academic stakeholders to discuss sustainable strategies for the country’s marine and blue economy.
