The African Union (AU) has called on Nigeria to incorporate blue economy performance indicators into its fiscal policies, highlighting the country’s significant potential to lead Africa’s blue economy initiatives.
This appeal was made by the Head of the AU’s Blue Economy Division, Mr. George Mba-Asseko, during the conclusion of a stakeholder validation workshop for Nigeria’s draft National Blue Economy Strategy, held in Abuja.
Mba-Asseko emphasized that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline, abundant marine resources, and strategic geographic position, is well-placed to be a dominant player in the blue economy sector across Africa. He noted the country’s rapid growth in aquaculture, now ranked as the second-largest producer of aquaculture products on the continent, as evidence of its potential.
“The progress Nigeria has made in aquaculture value chains is commendable, but to fully realize its blue economy potential, all sectors must be engaged,” Mba-Asseko stated. He urged government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and local communities to collaborate in ensuring the successful implementation of the national strategy.
“This validation workshop is not merely symbolic; it represents a pivotal step toward achieving economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social equity. While there are challenges, the opportunities are vast. Nigeria’s success in this regard will serve as a model for other African nations,” he added.
Mba-Asseko also encouraged Nigeria to build on the momentum of the workshop, establishing the necessary institutional frameworks and partnerships to transform the country’s marine and aquatic resources into a thriving blue economy.
Minister’s Perspective
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, described the development of the National Blue Economy Strategy as a critical milestone in advancing the country’s economic growth. He highlighted that the strategy offers a clear roadmap for harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine resources in a sustainable manner.
“To unlock the full potential of all sub-sectors within the blue economy, we need a strategic and sustainable approach. This must be grounded in research, collaboration, and partnerships, particularly with organizations like AU-IBAR,” Oyetola said.
At the end of the workshop, several recommendations were adopted, including the creation of a fisheries management agency, the development of a blue tourism roadmap, and initiatives related to blue carbon, climate change adaptation, hydropower development, and floating solar power technologies.
The workshop drew participants from various sectors, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, among others. These stakeholders are expected to play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the strategy, ensuring that Nigeria maximizes the benefits of its blue economy for future generations.
