Experts and policymakers have called on Nigeria to fully harness its vast marine and aquatic resources, describing the blue economy as a critical pathway to sustainable economic growth and national transformation.
The call was made in Abuja at the unveiling of a new book, Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future, authored by maritime expert and academic Dr Chika Ethel Chukwudi.
The book highlights the blue economy not merely as an environmental concept but as a major economic frontier capable of generating employment, attracting investment, strengthening climate resilience and driving long-term national development.
Speaking at the event, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe commended the author for shedding light on areas of Nigeria’s marine resources that remain underexplored. He noted that the publication provides valuable insights into emerging marine and blue economy activities and their potential contribution to national growth.
Also speaking, former lawmaker and member representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, observed that Nigeria has for decades underutilised its 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways.
According to him, the country’s waters hold immense opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology sectors that could rival oil and gas in economic value if effectively developed.
“We must begin to see the blue economy as a serious pillar of national development. Sustainability is no longer optional; it is central to our economic survival and competitiveness.” Onuigbo said.
He further noted that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Tinubu signals a deliberate policy shift towards converting marine resources into tangible wealth while safeguarding fragile ecosystems.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, added that ongoing reforms—including the National Carbon Market Activation Policy, the Climate Change Fund and the National Carbon Registry—are designed to attract green investment and diversify the economy beyond fossil fuels.
In her remarks, Dr Chukwudi said the challenge of developing the blue economy goes beyond policy formulation and extends to public awareness and capacity building. She explained that the book was written to demystify the concept and reveal the scale of opportunities many Nigerians have yet to recognise.
“When I began researching this topic during my PhD, very few people understood what the blue economy meant. Globally, it is already valued at over three trillion dollars annually, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind,” she said.
She stressed that sectors such as port services, marine logistics, renewable ocean energy, and fisheries could generate thousands of jobs and new revenue streams if supported by the right skills, infrastructure, and education.
To build future capacity, she advocated the introduction of blue economy studies into primary and secondary school curricula to prepare young Nigerians for emerging maritime careers.
“Beyond revenue, this sector offers transformational employment opportunities. We must catch them young,” she said.
The event brought together government officials, maritime regulators, and development stakeholders to explore strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s largely untapped ocean and inland water resources.