Practitioners of Blue Economy have advocated diversification and strengthening of Nigeria’s ocean-based resources in order to more firmly establish a path of increasing environmental sustainability and equitable growth, for socio-economic transformation of the nation, which can be achieved through meticulous development of its various sectors. 

This call was made during the International Conference on Blue Economy, with the theme ‘Transformation of Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Landscape Through Blue Economy,’ organised by Marine and Oceans Academy in collaboration with Department of Marine Science, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Watbridge Hotel, Uyo.

While delivering the keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Prof. Nse Essien appreciated the Nigerian President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He defined blue economy as the sum of economic activities of the ocean-based industries together with the access to services provided by the marine ecosystem. In his words, “this conference is convened mainly to address the problems militating against harnessing the full potentials of our marine resources. I strongly believe that at the end of this conference, we will fully dissect all techniques we can adopt to transform the Nigerian socio-economic landscape through the blue economy.” He welcomed all participants and advised them to stay throughout so as to discuss extensively. 

The Chairman, Governing Council, Marine and Ocean Academy, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Ifiok Ukana, RTD, in his welcome address and tone setting explained that the objective of the conference was to lay the groundwork for Nigeria’s transition to blue economy, provide the strategies for developing Nigeria’s ocean and maritime-based sectors, highlight some guidelines and policies crucial for the development of robust framework for the social, economic and environmental sustainability of Nigeria’s blue economy. He added that the blue economy is expected to drastically reduce government reliance on petroleum extraction by serving as a model for sustainable coastal and ocean-based industrial development as well as contribute to enrich global effort in transiting towards sustainable Blue Economy.

In a paper presentation entitled ‘Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Growth and Development: Leveraging on the Blue Economy, Prof. Ekanem Ekanem from the University of Uyo observed that the sustainable management of ocean resources, balancing economic development with environmental protection is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where traditional reliance on oil has led to environmental degradation and economic instability. Therefore, shifting focus to the blue economy could diversify the economy, create jobs, and ensure sustainable development. He highlighted policy and regulatory framework, investment in infrastructure, capacity building and education, research and innovation, regional and international collaboration as strategies for developing the blue economy in Nigeria, which could help unlock its full potentials, thereby fostering a prosperous and resilient future for its people.  

Speaking on the topic ‘Steps to Design and Develop the Blue Economy Policy,’ the Rector, Marine and Oceans Academy, Dr. Kingsley Ekwere explained that blue or ocean economy is the sustainable  development of ocean resources for the benefit of the present and future generations, cutting across maritime activities like fishing, shipping, maritime transportation, food production, tourism, ocean bottom extractive activities, mineral exploration or extraction, marine biotechnology and bioprospecting. He added that the marine ecosystem is the largest aquatic system on the planet, which depends upon the oceans, being the sources of wealth, opportunity and abundance, providing food, energy, water, highways for international trade and stablises the global climate. He pointed out the current crisis of human activities in Nigeria which have pushed oceans to their limits and recommended that the country should entrench blue economy policy in order to harness the abundant coastal and marine resources which would generate jobs, protect and preserve the environment.

Presenting a paper on ‘The Role of Ocean Dynamics in Blue Economy Resources Management,’ Lecturer and Oceanograher from AKSU, Dr. Samuel Ukpong Okon indicated that for Nigeria to gain significantly from the blue economy which includes marine biotechnology, deep-sea mining, offshore renewable energy and eco-tourism, it must invest in modern technologies and implement effective regulations to promote sustainable practice for job creation and sustainable growth. In order to explore the potential of the blue economy, he suggested an all-inclusive, collaborative approach that addresses scientific, economic, and policy-related challenges, through multidisciplinary research, innovative technology, stakeholder agreement and robust regulatory frameworks.

Speaking on the topic ‘Impact of Plastic Pollution on Blue Economy: The Way Forward,’ Dr. Mary Ekanem, Department of Marine Science, AKSU emphasised that the essence of environmental management is zero waste. She therefore warned against the practice of disposing plastic in the seas as they cause harm to ocean and human lives. She recommended recycling them for production of useful materials and encapsulating them in construction work. This way, there will be economic growth, improved livelihood and preservation of ocean health.

In a paper entitled ‘Accessing and Harnessing the Blue Economy Finance,’ Mr. Obinna Chukwuka explained that blue finance refers essentially to investment on resources relating to the ocean. He identified unemployment and untapped resource materials in the waters which could be used for technological, medical and tourism purposes to generate more revenue for the Nigerian economy.      

An interactive session was provided where participants made contributions and received appropriate responses.

Present at the event from AKSU were: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ita Ewa-Oboho; Prof. Elijah Nyah-Department of Genetics and Biotechnology; Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Dr. Godwin Udoh; Head, Department of Zoology, Dr. Imekan Akpan; from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture-Dr. Ubong Uwem George; Dr. Otoh Aniekan J.; Mr. IdopiseAbasi Asuquo; Dr. Edem Offiong, Department of Animal Science; Deputy Registrar and Head, Legal Unit, Barr. Ime Udofa; Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Administration, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Akaninyene Ibanga, Senior Assistant Registrar, Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Ibong Nkanga and other staff from the same office.

Other participants included: Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus E. Okon, represented by the Village Head of Atan Offot, Uyo Local Government Area, His Highness (Eteidung) Idongesit Ekong; Executive and members of Ocean Marine Academy; stakeholders from various organisations.