By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As part of efforts to unlock the country’s blue economy potential and drive inclusive economic growth, President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria will create five million new ocean-based jobs by 2035.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, said Nigeria is intensifying efforts to harness its Blue Economy potential.
“We have launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan to harness fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy as drivers of inclusive growth,” he said.
According to the President, the initiative prioritises youth and women, and aims to expand sustainable opportunities across Nigeria’s coastal and maritime sectors.
Tinubu said his administration recognised the strategic importance of the ocean to national economy.
The President noted, that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 underscored Nigeria’s commitment to maximising its maritime resources.
“For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience.
“We recognise that the health of our oceans directly determines the stability and prosperity of our continent,”he added.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to rules-based ocean governance and called for stronger African synergy to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which continues to threaten food security and economic stability.
He further highlighted progress in maritime security, noting that Nigeria had strengthened naval power to reduce piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through the adoption of modern technology and enhanced naval capability, Nigeria has significantly reduced incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea”.
“This has helped in removing a major impediment to freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in the subregion,”he stressed.
Tinubu further called for stronger partnerships among African countries, development banks, the private sector and civil society to mobilise sustainable financing and ensure that youth and women fully participate in ocean governance.
The President emphasized that Nigeria remained committed to leading collaborative efforts to protect the ocean and ensure its resources contribute to sustainable development for present and future generations.