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Blue Economy: Why Nigeria must awaken the sleeping giant for economic prosperity

Chika Chukwudi

At a time when Nigeria is urgently seeking sustainable pathways to economic stability, poverty reduction, and mass job creation, it has become increasingly clear that the nation must rethink its development priorities.

While agriculture, oil and gas, technology, and manufacturing all hold value, none offers the scale of untapped opportunity that lies within Nigeria’s blue economy and maritime sector.

It is time for the Federal Government to invest more aggressively in the blue economy than any other sector; not as an experiment, but as a strategic national imperative.

A sector with vast untapped potential,Nigeria is geographically positioned as a maritime powerhouse.

With over 850 kilometers of Atlantic coastline and access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country sits on one of the busiest maritime routes in Africa.

Additionally, Nigeria is blessed with extensive inland waterways, including the River Niger and River Benue systems, as well as numerous lakes and dams.

Yet, despite these natural advantages, the maritime sector contributes far below its potential to national GDP.

Ports remain under-optimized, inland waterways underutilized, fisheries underdeveloped, and coastal tourism largely unexplored.

A nation surrounded by water should not be surrounded by economic stagnation.

Job Creation at Unmatched Scale

No other sector has the capacity to generate employment across such a wide spectrum of skill levels as the blue economy.

From artisanal fisheries to industrial aquaculture, from shipbuilding and repairs to maritime logistics, from port management to marine biotechnology, the opportunities span both formal and informal sectors.

Unlike capital-intensive industries that absorb limited skilled labor, the maritime sector can employ millions—fishermen, boat builders, marine engineers, dockworkers, environmental scientists, processors, exporters, and entrepreneurs.

Investing in fisheries and aquaculture alone could significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fish importation while creating rural jobs.

Developing shipbuilding and maintenance hubs would stimulate industrial growth. Expanding coastal tourism would empower local communities.

If properly harnessed, the blue economy can become Nigeria’s largest employer of labor.

A Powerful Tool for Poverty Alleviation

Poverty in Nigeria is most severe in rural and coastal communities. Ironically, these communities sit closest to abundant aquatic resources.

By investing in modern fishing techniques, cold chain logistics, processing facilities, and export frameworks, the government can raise incomes at the grassroots level.

The blue economy directly connects natural resources to livelihoods. It allows small-scale operators to participate in global value chains.

 It empowers women in fish processing and marketing. It supports youth entrepreneurship in aquaculture and marine services.

Few sectors distribute wealth as inclusively as the maritime ecosystem.

Economic Diversification Beyond Oil

For decades, Nigeria’s economic health has fluctuated with global oil prices. The volatility of crude markets has repeatedly exposed the risks of mono-product dependence.

Meanwhile, countries that invested heavily in maritime trade and ocean-based industries have built resilient economies.

The global shipping industry drives over 80 percent of world trade by volume.

 Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, should be a dominant maritime hub; not merely a participant.

Strategic investment in port modernization, maritime security, indigenous shipping lines, and marine renewable energy can generate foreign exchange earnings, attract international investors, and reduce capital flight.

Diversification is no longer optional; it is survival. And the blue economy offers the strongest foundation for that transition.

Strengthening National Security and Regional Influence

Beyond economics, maritime investment strengthens national sovereignty.

Improved naval capacity, port efficiency, and maritime surveillance reduce piracy, illegal fishing, and resource theft in the Gulf of Guinea.

A strong maritime economy enhances Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and positions the country as a gateway for regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Catalyzing Industrial Growth and Infrastructure Development

Heavy investment in the maritime sector triggers multiplier effects across the economy.

 Shipyards require steel, engineering services, and technical expertise. Ports demand road and rail connectivity. Fisheries require cold storage, packaging, and logistics systems.

Every naira invested in maritime infrastructure stimulates broader economic activity.

Unlike sectors that operate in isolation, the blue economy integrates transportation, manufacturing, trade, energy, tourism, and environmental management into one interconnected growth engine.

A Long-Term, Sustainable Growth Model

When managed responsibly, marine and aquatic resources are renewable. Sustainable fisheries, offshore wind energy, eco-tourism, and marine biotechnology offer growth without exhausting natural capital.

With proper regulation and environmental safeguards, Nigeria can build a blue economy that generates prosperity today without compromising future generations.

A Call for Bold Policy Action

The question is not whether Nigeria should invest in the blue economy. The question is whether Nigeria can afford not to.

Prioritizing maritime education, strengthening maritime institutions, expanding coastal infrastructure, supporting indigenous shipping, and financing aquaculture enterprises should form the core of national economic planning.

The blue economy is not just another sector, it is a sleeping giant. And if awakened through deliberate policy and sustained investment, it can alleviate poverty, generate millions of jobs, stabilize foreign exchange earnings, and secure Nigeria’s economic future.

Nigeria’s prosperity lies not only beneath its soil, but upon its waters.

The time to act is now.

Chika Chukwudi,the  Author of Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future, is a Staff of  NIMASA and writes from Lagos 
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Headlines

Tantita empowers NSCDC with modern tools for enhanced performance, operational efficiency 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Tantita security company has empowered the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with modern equipment and operational vehicles to enhance its performance.
This follows the donation of a modern command control centre and Hilux vehicles to the security outfit which were unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the  Managing Director, Tantita, Kestin Ebimorbowei, said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s reform agenda aimed at strengthening economic performance and national stability.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to national development.
Ebimorbowei, who was represented by the company’s  Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh,said although the centre is located in Abuja, its operational reach will cover the entire country.
Enisuoh noted that the facility is equipped with advanced monitoring systems to enhance air, land, and real-time incident surveillance.
He described the 24-hour centre as a major step toward deeper technological integration within the corps, adding that it would support the NSCDC and other security agencies in fulfilling their constitutional mandates.
Capt. Enisuoh commended NSCDC personnel for protecting Tantita operatives, noting that private security guards are not legally permitted to bear arms.
He also revealed that 15 Officers lost their lives while working with the company and pledged continued support for the families of fallen personnel.
“We rate this partnership ten over ten,” he said, citing the sacrifices of uniformed Officers.
In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Audi, thanked Tantita for the fully furnished facility and two Hilux operational vehicles.
He announced that the structure has been named the “Nuhu Ribadu Hydrocarbon and Maritime Security Command and Control Centre.”
Audi said the centre would be integrated with the Office of the National Security Adviser to strengthen coordination among security agencies.
 According to him, it will enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and inter-agency collaboration, particularly in hydrocarbon and maritime security.
He stressed that structured data management and credible intelligence dissemination are critical to national development and expressed confidence that the new facility would significantly boost the corps’ operational capacity.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Zuma Energy Power Ltd, Dr. Innocent Ezuma, announced the donation of an additional building for VIP protection services.
Represented by Nwoko Alex, he said the facility would improve standards in safeguarding high-profile individuals while contributing to national security.
He described the initiative as a global-standard addition to Nigeria’s security architecture and expressed confidence that it would strengthen investor confidence and economic growth.
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Headlines

Lagos retirees kick over delay in pension increase, mull protest action

Gloria Odion, Reporter 
The chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, contributory Pension scheme, (NUPCPS) Lagos State Council, Comrade Michael Omisande has appealed to the Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission, (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, to be proactive on the issue of Pension increases for CPS Pensioners in Lagos State.
He said it is over two months the template for pension increases had been submitted and hinted of a looming protest by Retirees in Lagos State, If LASPEC keeps foot dragging on the pension increases.
He made this submission on Friday, February 27th, 2026 while addressing the Pensioners at the Open Congress day celebration in Oshodi, Lagos.
Comrade Omisande said Governor Sanwoolu and DG LASPEC had promised at different fora to adopt the Federal Governments template to pay pension increases for Lagos State Retirees, adding that Federal Retirees had been enjoying the pension increases since November, 2025.
Meanwhile, the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Lagos State, Comrade Agnes Sessie, has vowed to take up the battle for the implementation of Pension increases for Retirees under the contributory Pension scheme (CPS) in the State.
While speaking at Oshodi Open Congress Day, Comrade Sessi said the CPS Pensioners deserve to get the pension increases like their federal counterparts, adding that a political solution would also be adopted.
She said the Labour Movement would use the election year to renegotiate for another minimum wage for Lagos State Workers and also canvass for pension increase implementation for CPS Pensioners.
Comrade Sessie commended the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu in the running of affairs of the State.
The open congress day is in commemoration of the birth of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, contributory Pension scheme, NUPCPS, in Nigeria on 27 February, 2017.
The theme of this year’s celebration is Freedom of Association, a fundamental human right in Nigeria.
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Customs

Seme Customs in revenue windfall as it collects N3.5 billion in February.

Funso OLOJO,Editor 
The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to sustain its revenue momentious
trajectory under the leadership of its Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga.
According to revenue statistics made available to our reporter by the command, it has garnered a princely sum of N3,480,970,924.67 in revenue for the month of February 2026, with the month still ongoing.
Comptroller Adenuga made this disclosure during an interactive session at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with cross-border traders ,farmers and stakeholders organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme and GIZ International.
The event, held in Badagry on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, was themed “Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Trade Information Desk for Agricultural Traders”.
Comptroller Adenuga noted the revenue figure represents a remarkable improvement over the N743,698,652.16 recorded in February 2025 which he attributed to the seamless trade facilitation process adopted at the Command.
 “For this February that has not yet ended, we have already generated N3,480,970,924.67 as against N743,698,652.16 revenue generated in February 2025″ Adenuga told the stakeholders.
He said the feat was a reflection of
the flow of trade which he believed was getting better as people are building greater confidence in the Seme–Krake corridor.
Comptroller Adenuga assured traders and stakeholders that the significant reduction in checkpoints along the Seme–Gbaji axis is the direct result of strong collaborative efforts with other security agencies operating within the corridor.
 He disclosed that only Agbara and Gbaji remain the officially Customs approved and sanctioned checkpoints along this Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
The Customs Chief further attributed the noticeable decline in crime rates along the Seme-Gbaji axis to the positive outcomes of monthly joint border security meetings involving all agencies at the border post.
These regular inter-agency engagements, according to him, have strengthened better cooperation, improved intelligence sharing and more effective responses to security challenges, thereby creating a safer and more enabling environment for cross-border trade.
Adenuga declared that while revenue generation and trade facilitation remain key priorities, the Command’s mandate extends firmly to combating illicit activities.
The CAC highlighted recent enforcement successes, including the interception of a Toyota Highlander vehicle conveying 22 packages of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding N1 billion, a feat he claimed was made possible based on very  credible information shared by the CGC.
In addition, during February 2026 alone, the Command has seized 1,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, underscoring its unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economic borders.
Comptroller Adenuga reiterated the vigilance and commitment of the operatives of the Command in working closely with stakeholders, traders, farmers, sister security agencies and regional partners to improve the momentum of trade and security along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
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