Nigeria has launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan aimed at generating five million ocean-based jobs by 2035 through investments in shipping, tourism, and marine energy. President Bola Tinubu announced the initiative during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, on Wednesday.
President Tinubu's Vision for the Blue Economy
Speaking through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, Tinubu described Nigeria's oceans and maritime resources as critical assets for economic growth, food security, trade, energy production, and livelihoods. He emphasized that the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security, and climate resilience.
The President noted that his administration elevated the marine and blue economy sector to a national priority shortly after taking office in May 2023 with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This ministry was established to help Nigeria maximize the benefits of its maritime resources while ensuring sustainable management of the country's oceans and coastal environments.
Key Sectors for Job Creation
According to Tinubu, the newly launched Blue Economy Action Plan will focus on expanding fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism, and renewable energy industries. The plan aims to create five million new ocean-based jobs by 2035, with a priority on youth and women, and ensuring that ocean industries uplift vulnerable coastal communities.
Nigeria boasts an estimated 853-kilometer coastline and occupies a strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world's most important shipping routes.
Environmental Commitments
As part of Nigeria's environmental commitments, Tinubu announced plans to expand marine protected areas by 2030, restore half of the country's degraded mangrove ecosystems, and support continent-wide efforts to phase out single-use plastics. The blue economy strategy includes plans to restore 50% of Nigeria's degraded mangrove ecosystems by 2030.
Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
On maritime security, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's continued participation in the Yaoundé Architecture, a regional framework designed to strengthen security cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. He stressed that maritime security is inseparable from food security, trade facilitation, and peace-building.
The President added that investments in modern surveillance technology and stronger naval operations have helped reduce piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, improving safety for commercial vessels and international shipping activities.
Call for Collaboration
Tinubu called for stronger collaboration among African nations to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which he described as a major threat to food security and economic stability across the continent. He stressed that African countries need fair access to financing, technology, and investment to fully harness the economic potential of their maritime resources, noting that much of the continent's blue economy remains underdeveloped.
The President further urged governments, development institutions, private investors, and civil society groups to work together in mobilizing sustainable financing for ocean governance and maritime development. He also called for greater involvement of women and young people in decision-making processes within the maritime sector, saying inclusive governance is essential to unlocking the full economic potential of the blue economy.
“Our ocean is our common heritage, and its future depends on the collective action we take today. We stand ready to collaborate, to lead, and to contribute to building a continent where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed, and prosperity is shared,” Tinubu concluded.
